Scottish Tories demand more selective Covid restrictions ahead of levels update

The First Minister will give an indication of which areas might move to Level 1 next week

Author: Rob WallerPublished 1st Jun 2021

There are calls for Covid restrictions to be imposed on local areas around outbreaks instead of on a council by council basis.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has insisted Scotland should be able to move to Level 1 on June 7, as he called on the Scottish Government not to leave whole areas behind if restrictions are relaxed.

Mr Ross argued: "Selectively imposing restrictions and targeting resources at smaller areas is entirely possible. The blanket council-wide approach is not the only plausible option.

The Tory added: "Everyone understands that there will be a need for local, targeted measures when an outbreak occurs.

"But leaving behind whole areas should be ruled out. Sweeping measures that unnecessarily hurt a whole city or council area are unfair on businesses and local people waiting to get on with their lives.''

"The one-size-fits-all approach should be replaced by targeted interventions to tackle local outbreaks.

"For the sake of jobs, businesses and people's mental health, the country has to move forward together as much as possible.''

Level 1 update

Later today Nicola Sturgeon will confirm "whether and to what extent'' plans to further ease coronavirus restrictions can take place next week .

Under the Scottish Government's Covid route map, Scotland was scheduled to move into Level 1 restrictions from June 7.

But a recent spike in infections has forced ministers to keep the entire Glasgow City Council area under Level 3 restrictions - meaning bars and restaurants can not serve alcohol indoors and get-togethers inside people's homes are also barred.

Ms Sturgeon has already warned that Glasgow may "have to be in Level 2 for a couple of weeks before it moves to Level 1''.

She is due to reveal if the move to Level 1 can go ahead in a statement to MSPs at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon.

A move to Level 1, if it goes ahead, would allow up to eight people from three households to meet indoors in pubs, cafes and bars, while up to 12 people from 12 different households could socialise together outside in gardens or outdoor public places.

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.