THIS week's community column comes from Helensburgh and Lomond's MSP, Jackie Baillie.
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RESTRICTIONS on who we can see, where we can go and how close we can get to each other are now “the new normal”.
It is hard to believe that the first lockdown we experienced was back in March, some eight months ago, when case figures across the country were rising at a worrying rate. It was right to do so then to save lives and protect the NHS.
Now there is a more localised approach in place. Helensburgh and Lomond, as part of Argyll and Bute, is now in tier two – allowing residents more freedom than before and providing local businesses with the opportunity to re-open their doors and restart trade after months of uncertainty.
However, this relaxation of restrictions, and in particular the ability for local restaurants to sell alcohol, has meant that visitors from outwith Argyll and Bute – who live in areas with stricter restrictions, have enjoyed day trips to the area, many of them travelling from Glasgow and beyond.
READ MORE: Opinion: More local information on Covid-19 cases is welcome
I completely understand that everyone is craving a sense of normality, and to catch up with friends and family who haven’t been allowed to visit for most of the year. I am aware that many in the constituency will live in Helensburgh but might work or shop in Dumbarton, and vice versa. Our communities are intertwined. However the sad reality of this virus is that when large numbers of people from high risk areas visit lower risk areas like Helensburgh, spikes in case numbers will happen.
The First Minister has announced that individuals travelling into and out of tier three and four areas, for all but essential travel, will now be breaking the law. That will be hard to enforce as police resources are already stretched and I hope we don’t end up criminalising people for genuine mistakes.
We all have a part to play in beating this virus and I encourage everyone to join me in following these restrictions to the best of our ability. With Christmas around the corner, the greater the sacrifices that we make now, the greater we will hopefully be rewarded when we are able to spend Christmas with loved ones. Keep safe.
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