Tuesday November 17th 2020
Midlothian and East Lothian will move to Level 2 coronavirus restrictions from Tuesday next week.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that both local authority areas have seen a marked decline in infection rates to be taken down from Level 3 restrictions.
She said that the restrictions that had been in place on household gatherings and hospitality had made a difference, adding that without action the number of cases which could have been reported daily in Scotland would be at 3,000 now.
She said: “I am pleased to report that East Lothian and Midlothian have both seen a marked decline in infection rates, prevalence in these areas is significantly below the level for Scotland as a whole.
“On that basis, assuming no significant deterioration before then, I can confirm that East Lothian and Midlothian will move down from Level 3 to Level 2 from next Tuesday, November 24.”
She added that the delay would allow local authorities to carry out additional health checks and work with NHS Lothian to ensure checks are in place.
Midlothian Council Leader, Derek Milligan said:
“The decision reflects the significant progress we’ve made in reducing the spread of the virus locally. Public Health Scotland data is now showing Midlothian has 58.4 cases per 100,000, which now puts us in Tier 2.
“Moving to Tier 2 is fantastic news for local communities and businesses.”
Cllr Milligan urged local people not to become complacent, however.
He said: “Just as we can move down a Tier, we can easily move back up if we fail to adhere to the guidance. The Council is working closely with Police Scotland to ensure that our businesses and communities are well supported in complying with the Tier 2 rules.
“So please familiarise yourself with the new Tier 2 rules, including continuing to wear face coverings when required, unless exempt, socially distance and only travel on public transport when necessary.
“With Christmas coming up, we all need to continue to do our bit to give everyone the best chance possible of celebrating with their families safely. That means keeping infection rates down. “
Full details of what Level 2 restrictions involve can be found HERE.
Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame said:
“The move from Level 3 to Level 2 represents results from the efforts people have put in across Midlothian to follow guidance and get virus rates down and for that I sincerely thank them for all they’ve sacrificed to get to this point. We are going in the right direction.
“Whilst life is still restricted – we still can’t meet in other people’s houses for one thing – certain things will become a bit more normal. For example outdoor sports can resume fully, provided safety measures are taken, and hospitality venues can stay open later.
“It’s important we don’t take this progress for granted however – things can go backwards as well as forwards. We must still stick to the relevant guidance and not become complacent, it’s only by doing this that we’ll continue to drive transmission rates down and be able to get even closer to normality in future. Travel from Midlothian to Edinburgh (at level 3) for example should be limited to essential journeys only such as caring responsibilities, medical treatments and work which cannot be done from home. Similarly travel from the City of Edinburgh to Midlothian should be restricted.”
East Lothian has also moved from level 3 to level 2.
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