This week's Councillor Column is written by David Kinniburgh, Conservative councillor for Helensburgh and Lomond South.

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As I write this article we are moving into the seventh week of the lockdown measures which have changed life as we knew it so dramatically.

It is difficult to imagine what our lives will be like in the future as thoughts turn to how the current restrictions might be eased. However one of the most important considerations is how to prevent a second peak of the Covid-19 virus.

This is a concern that all governments are having to consider. We are all becoming familiar with the ‘R figure’, or ‘reproductive figure’ epidemiologists have used for decades to monitor a disease’s ability to spread among people. This must remain below 1.0 to prevent the virus spreading, and social distancing, which we have now all become so familiar with, is the best method of achieving that until a successful vaccine is found.

READ MORE: Opinion: There are still reasons to be positive in these dark times

It is clear that social distancing for the time being is here to stay. On the day this article is published the UK government are due to announce their next review of the lockdown measures, put in place on March 23, with the now familiar message: Stay Home – Protect the NHS – Save Lives.

One of the most difficult parts of this message to deal with for the majority of people is the fact that we cannot meet with family and friends in the way that we normally would have.

In the time that the lockdown has been in place many families have not been able to celebrate Easter in the way they normally would, many have not been able to celebrate birthdays in the manner they normally would have, and perhaps the most difficult for many, and certainly my wife and I, grandparents have been unable to see young grandchildren in the way they normally would.

READ MORE: Opinion: Every day is like Sunday under lockdown conditions

Thankfully these days it is possible to keep in touch using social media however nothing replaces the usual contact with family and friends pre lockdown.

On a different note, one issue that has been raised a number of times with me recently, and has featured in news reports nationally, is traffic travelling at excessive speeds on our quieter roads.

Please remember that all journeys in the current climate should be essential travel only, and wherever you may be going, you are most likely going to get there quicker than normal because of the quieter roads. So please watch your speed when out and about.

Stay safe.

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