​PUBLIC IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES UPDATE ON "LIFE BEYOND LOCKDOWN"
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has urged the public in Midlothian and East Lothian 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.
 
Colin Beattie MSP has also encouraged constituents in Midlothian and East Lothian 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.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie 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 Midlothian and East Lothian 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 my constituency 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 Midlothian and East Lothian to continue reading the official guidance and information published.
 
"For now, the advice for people in Midlothian and East Lothian 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 has a part to play in combatting this virus, and while I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”