Covid in Scotland: Six-month curbs ‘most realistic position’

Scotland’s health secretary has said that reports of stricter Covid restrictions in England that could last six months are “more realistic” than restrictions that last weeks.

Jeane Freeman also warned that “tough decisions” should be made to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

She said national restrictions may be necessary to prevent the increase in cases from turning into hospital admissions.

Freeman added that family gatherings and parties remain the main catalyst for the spread of the virus.

And he told the BBC that Good Morning Scotland ministers “fully understand” the hotel sector’s concerns, amid speculation about the possibility of curfews being introduced.

A report in The Times says Britain faces another six months of “very difficult” lockdown restrictions.

Ms. Freeman was specifically asked about that time period, which would include Christmas and last until spring, rather than one that would last three weeks.

She replied: “It is a more realistic position, but we have not yet made all of our decisions about the additional measures we implement and how long we think they will be there.”

Later, the UK government’s top medical adviser is expected to warn that Britain is at a “tipping point” in the coronavirus pandemic and is “going in the wrong direction.”

Professor Chris Whitty believes the country is facing a “very challenging winter period” and will hold a televised briefing at 11:00 BST.

On Sunday, 245 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Scotland, which is equivalent to 5.4% of those analyzed.

No new deaths were reported and there were 63 people in the hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19. Nine are in intensive care.

By comparison, 350 new cases were reported in Scotland on Saturday, the highest daily increase since May.

Why Are Scientists Worried?

You can understand people’s frustration: cases may be increasing, but especially among young people, and hospital admissions are still very low. However, scientists are concerned. They see what has happened in other parts of Europe and judge that there is a critical window of opportunity to act or risk losing control of the virus once again.

Remember, the NHS is stretched at best and is still trying to catch up with the day-to-day work that had to be suspended earlier this year. Also, it can only work with a limited capacity.

So the concern of the doctors I speak to is that any significant increase in coronavirus patients would stop routine work again. Yes, the NHS will deal with Covid, as it did before, but what will be the consequences for things like cancer care, rehabilitation, or the already long waits for hip and knee replacements?

The Scottish health secretary said that home-to-home transmission remains the “main area of ​​transmission” in the clusters and outbreaks currently being managed.

Freeman said it was “difficult to be completely exact” about how effective the “rule of six” had been at this stage, as it would have to be in effect for two weeks.

On the prospects of a curfew for bars and restaurants, which could see them closing at 9pm or 10pm, he said: “There is no clear set of decisions that has no impact on other areas.

“It is always a balance between what will have the greatest effect in reducing the number of cases and therefore protecting people from what is a very egregious and serious virus, against practicality and the other harm that could occur , like the economic ones. “

‘Still fighting’

On Sunday, Ms Freeman told BBC Politics Scotland that there was evidence showing that the sharp increase in cases had been “toned down” following additional measures by some local authorities in the west, but said there was still “real concern. “.

When asked if the Scottish government would consider imposing similar fines in England, the health secretary said the issue should be looked at “backwards.”

He added that he wanted to avoid “penalizing” those who have “fragile zero-hour contracts” and low wages.

Scottish Labor leader Richard Leonard has called on the Scottish government to “learn lessons” from the closing of March and protect “anxious” workers.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who had previously opposed Boris Johnson by resigning over Dominic Cummings’ actions, said he wanted the Scottish and UK governments to work together on issues like the licensing scheme.

He added that several industries “are still fighting” and that he will speak with the chancellor to see what can be done for those industries.