COLIN BEATTIE MSP URGES PEOPLE TO 'STAY LOCAL' WHEN EXERCISING

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has urged constituents in Midlothian and East Lothian 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 in Midlothian and East Lothian 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.

SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
"Of course, exercise is extremely important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, so it's important to note that people in Midlothian and East Lothian can leave their homes for exercise once a day, with members of their own household.
"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 and East Lothian should make use of gardens - if they can - and stay local 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."