SNP MSP Bruce Crawford and MP Alyn Smith have urged the public in the Stirling area to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are altered.
COVID-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down, but concludes that the virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health in Scotland.
The Stirling parliamentarians have also encouraged constituents in Stirling to read the Scottish Government’s “Test, Trace, Isolate, Support” paper, published yesterday, which will be a “key aspect” of the next phase of the battle against Coronavirus.
The testing and tracing strategy will work alongside other virus suppression measures, including physical distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings. Thousands of contact tracing staff are also to be taken on, and new digital tools including an app are being developed.
Bruce Crawford MSP said:
“The decisions on how we come out of lockdown will affect all of us – and so it’s important that these decisions are made as openly and collaboratively as possible, with councils, businesses, unions, public services and community groups in the Stirling area all forming part of the discussion.
“The Scottish Government has today launched an online forum that gives people the opportunity to offer their reflections on lockdown restrictions – and I’d urge everyone in Stirling to share any ideas they have on how we should move forward.
“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to keep people up-to-date and be clear about the factors that inform decision making, and I’d encourage everyone in the Stirling area to continue reading the official guidance and information published.”
Alyn Smith MP added:
“For now, the advice for people in the Stirling area remains the same – staying at home and only making essential journeys is saving lives. Keeping physical distance in the limited circumstances when you have to be around people and continuing to regularly wash your hands are still the best way to reduce your risk of infection.
“Everyone in the Stirling area has a part to play in combating this virus, and while I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”
Notes:
COVID-19 – “Test, Trace, Isolate, Support
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-trace-isolate-support/
COVID-19 – Framework for Decision-Making
The public can submit their ideas and view those of others here