SCOTLAND’S Covid-19 restrictions are having a “positive impact” and they will not immediately change, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
However, the First Minister warned that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire local authority areas could be moved from their current level 2 to level 3 after cases “increased quite sharply”.
She told MSPs at Holyrood: “Three weeks ago – in the seven days up to Friday, November 13 – we had an average of 1116 new cases a day being recorded.
“By last Friday, that had fallen to 863 new cases a day – a reduction of more than one-fifth. Independent estimates also continue to place the R number slightly below 1 – that, again, is indicative of a position where infections are declining.
“The sacrifices everyone is making are making a difference. They are getting case numbers down, reducing the numbers getting ill and needing hospital care and so protecting the NHS, and saving lives.”
READ MORE: These are the latest coronavirus infection rates in every part of Scotland
However, after announcing 34 deaths of coronavirus patients and 754 new positive cases in the previous 24 hours, the First Minister warned the level of the virus is still “higher than we need it to be”.
She said: “In summary, therefore, although we are encouraged by the impact current restrictions have had, the need to strengthen and solidify that progress means that we need to continue to take care and err on the side of caution.
“So for all these reasons, the Cabinet, when it discussed this earlier today, has concluded that we will not propose any changes to the allocations of levels this week.”
Sturgeon confirmed that 11 council areas under the highest level of restrictions would have this lifted on December 11 at 6pm.
In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils, she said cases have risen by 68% and 45% respectively in the past week – both of which remain below the national average but are higher than in some level 3 areas.
She said further analysis is being carried out to understand more deeply the extent to which this is being driven by specific outbreaks, such as in food processing facilities, which are being managed.
READ MORE: Tories try to steal credit for Nicola Sturgeon's £500 NHS bonus
“If this information justifies a move to level 3 for one or both of these council areas, we will set this out either at next week’s review or earlier if the situation merits it,” she said.
Although data in Dumfries and Galloway indicated it could move to level 1 soon, Sturgeon said it will remain in level 2 for now as it is bordered by areas “with quite significant levels of infection”.
She also warned cases could rise again over the winter months, “necessitating continued caution”.
Meanwhile, Scottish ministers hope to decide this week if the Christmas school holidays will be extended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Sturgeon said.
The Scottish Government is considering extending the holidays to run from December 18 to January 11.
Sturgeon promised ministers will “take these decisions carefully, given the factors at play”, adding: “We will confirm the outcome of our deliberations as soon as we have concluded them. The Deputy First Minister or I will set out to Parliament what those conclusions are.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here