GILRUTH: FIFE MUST PREPARE FOR “NEW NORMAL” AS PLAN TO EASE LOCKDOWN PUBLISHED

Published date : 23 Apr 2020

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has said that residents in Fife must prepare for restrictions on normal life to continue for some time.

During today’s (23/04/20) coronavirus press briefing, Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced a new document published by the Scottish Government. The document outlines how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life.

The paper – COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making – sets out the position during this ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered as we move gradually to ease restrictions.

It also recognises that new ways of living may have to be in place for some time to come across the Kingdom and beyond.

Commenting, the Fife MSP said:

“It is welcome that the Scottish Government has published an outline of how and when the lockdown may be lifted and I urge everyone to take the time to read the document.

“It is vital that any decision to ease restrictions is based on the best scientific advice possible – but we are in uncharted territory and we must be prepared to adapt. That might mean having to reapply restrictions after they are lifted.

“It is only when we are sure the virus is under control that we can even start to ease any of the restrictions because the virus will not have gone away.

“While these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.

“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to be clear about the factors that will inform decision making.

“In the coming days and weeks members of the public will be invited to contribute their thoughts and views on the next steps we must make together.

“Unfortunately, returning to what we regard as a normal life will not be possible in the near future so we need to prepare for a new normal until treatments and a vaccine offer different solutions.

“I appreciate that this is an anxious time for everyone and I would urge any locals looking for support or assistance at this time to get in touch with me at jenny.gilruth.msp@parliament.scot or with my office at 01592 764815.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The document is available here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making/

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