Lanarkshire ‘close to local lockdown’ as health chief issues advice to avoid new virus restrictions



[ad_1]

Lanarkshire’s chief of public health is calling on locals to help “suppress the virus” to prevent further restrictions from being imposed in the area.

Gabe Docherty made an appeal through a video posted on the official NHS Lanarkshire Twitter account on Friday.

The area’s Director of Public Health pleaded with locals to help prevent an increase in restrictions similar to those recently imposed in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire.

Gabe Docherty is the director of public health for NHS Lanarkshire

NHS Lanarkshire previously tweeted: “No one wants another lockdown. But Lanarkshire is close to facing additional restrictions from Covid-19. Help prevent this from happening by following our advice.”

And Mr Docherty said: “I am sure that according to the media, you will be aware of the restrictions in our neighboring areas, Glasgow and other areas from local authorities.

“As Director of Public Health, I really support those measures because they are there to try to suppress this virus.

“Obviously, from a Lanarkshire perspective, I want to be in a position where we don’t need such restrictions.

“So I am seeking your help once again, and I appeal to you.”

The chief of health first referred to those who travel to Scotland from countries that then have to isolate themselves.

“If you return from a restricted transit zone and have to isolate yourself for 14 days,” he added.

“No other options.

“We need him to isolate himself to protect others in the community.”

Then Docherty reminded Lanarkshirens of the current rules on indoor and outdoor gatherings.

He said, “Please limit the number of people you are in close contact with.

“Remember that the guide states a maximum of eight people from three households indoors.

“Abroad, there are no more than 15 people out of a maximum of five households.

“We really need you to respect this.”

After reinforcing the FACTS advice, he thanked residents for their efforts so far, but maintained that the virus has not gone away.

He said: “It has been a really challenging time and I really appreciate all your efforts.

“What he has done over the past few months has enabled us to suppress this virus in Lanarkshire and that is greatly appreciated.

“Friends, in conclusion, we have asked many questions.

“We really need you to support us again.

“What we want to do is suppress this virus.”

A wave of positive Covid-19 cases has been detected since the Lanarkshire school returned.

First Steps Nursery School, Udson Primary School and Holycross High School, all in Hamilton, Stonelaw High School and Ace Place Nursery, both in Rutherglen and High Blantyre Primary School and Calderside Academy in Blantyre are among the schools where students and staff have positive.

The warning of a local lockout comes after Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that Scotland’s R-number could reach 1.4.

The Prime Minister announced today that 159 more people in Scotland have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

The new figure brings the total number of positive cases nationwide since the start of the outbreak to 21,048.

Sturgeon also targeted “selfish and irresponsible” Covid idiots after more than 300 people were kicked out of an illegal rave at a rented Midlothian mansion.



[ad_2]