Stay local when exercising

Tuesday March 31st 2020

Newbattle Abbey

Christine Grahame MSP has urged people in Midlothian to ‘stay local’ when exercising and walking dogs, and avoid any unnecessary travel that could help spread coronavirus.

Official advice from the Scottish and UK governments warns that people should not be driving somewhere with the intent of doing exercise or walking their dog – with new powers granted to police to enforce these regulations.

To protect yourself and others from illness and save lives, people should also avoid driving to beauty spots such as the Pentland Hills.

Ms Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, said:

“Of course, exercise is extremely important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s important to note that people can leave their homes for exercise once a day, with members of their own household, taking care to distance themselves from others.

“However, you should only be outside for a reasonable purpose – buying food or essential household or medical supplies; travelling to or carrying out essential work; exercising once a day; or providing care or assistance to others.

“People in Midlothian should make use of gardens – if they can – and stay local, within walking distance of their front door, when exercising or walking dogs to ensure that we stop the spread of coronavirus.

“This is about saving lives and protecting our NHS. We all recognise how unusual these regulations are, and the Scottish Government will act to remove these restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Please use the following guidance in order to stay safe:

– stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible
– do not travel unnecessarily
– you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
– keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
– gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this
– if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
– take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors

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