[ad_1]
Business leaders in Scotland say the highest level of the country’s new COVID restrictions could result in some “ghost town” like areas.
The new system goes into effect on Monday and its strictest level will require the closure of all nonessential stores and businesses.
Virus rates in Lanarkshire have skyrocketed, leaving many entrepreneurs worried about their future.
“Lanarkshire is a big part of the Scottish economy and a big part of society,” said insurance broker Alan Kirkwood, who is vice president of the Lanarkshire Business Group.
“If major cities turn into ghost towns, it will take a long time for them to recover and it will be heartbreaking for the people who have spent their lives here. It will scare many business owners.”
COVID cases in Scotland have already passed the 60,000 mark, with Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing an additional 1,202 positive test in the past 24 hours.
Lanarkshire recorded 292 new cases, while neighboring Greater Glasgow and Clyde recorded another 451 cases.
Jeweler Steven McGhee Says He Will Defy Any Closing Order
Just down Motherwell Street in the town of Wishaw, jeweler Steven McGhee saw his social media post about his plans to defy any new blockages go viral.
“I’m going to stay open because my business must stay open,” he told Sky News.
“I don’t know what the impact will be, but if I can pay the fine, I will pay the fine. I speak from my heart. We believe that stores are an easy target. Schools are the problem.”
“We have all the PPE, we have hand sanitizer and we only allow two people in the shop at a time. We are not the problem.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Scotland is new five level system It goes into effect on Monday, and the country’s Prime Minister is ready to announce which areas will enter what level later today.
Nicola Sturgeon has already announced plans for a ‘zip code checker’ so residents can determine what level they are at.
