THE First Minister has explained why new coronavirus restrictions were brought in to Glasgow after reports of confusion around the measures in the city.
Last night Nicola Sturgeon announced a two-week ban on visiting other households in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire following a rise in coronavirus cases.
Members of different households are still allowed to meet outdoors and in pubs, cafes and restaurants provided existing guidance is followed.
Additionally in the area, if any member of a household is identified as a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case then that entire household must also quarantine themselves for 14 days.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon imposes partial lockdown in Glasgow as coronavirus cases spike
Sturgeon explained that the measures implemented in Glasgow differ to those put in place in Aberdeen, where all hospitality venues were shut, because transmission of the virus is not happening in the same way.
Speaking to Twitter this morning, the First Minister said: “I know residents in these areas - I am one - feel frustrated and are wondering why we have done X and not Y...so I thought it would be helpful to set out some of the rationale …
“The virus is spreading again - in the West of Scotland especially - and the rise in cases in these 3 areas is a particular concern.
“Given the toll we know Covid can take, doing nothing is not an option. However, Test & Protect now allows us to be more targeted in what we do …
“Our data suggests that spread in and between households is driving much of the transmission just now.
“That doesn’t mean there are no cases in pubs etc - but unlike in Aberdeen, pub clusters don’t appear, at this stage, to be main driver. That analysis has guided decisions ..
“Based on data, clinical advice is that restricting household gatherings indoors - where it is most difficult to keep physical distance - is vital. Closing pubs wouldn’t be an alternative to that - but an additional measure which, for now, they don’t consider proportionate
“Coupled with the extended advice on isolation for anyone with potential exposure to the virus, we hope these targeted measures will be sufficient to prevent further spread - if people comply with them. However, we will need to keep situation under review.
“When we face these situations, there are no good options for those of taking decisions. Our objective is to stem spread with the least impact on lives and the economy. But we must all try to stop the virus spreading in first place - government can’t do that alone.”
The First Minister added that she “hates” having to make these decisions and understands how “difficult” these restrictions are.
The Glasgow restrictions will be in place for two weeks then reviews after one week. They could be lifted earlier but the Scottish Government also warned it has not ruled out extending restrictions if necessary.
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