Fresh Covid-19 measures 'starting to look like a sensible idea' as Highlands prepare for new restrictions; GP: Tough measures now could prevent longer-term pain

A HIGHLAND doctor whose long-running campaign to keep people safe from Covid-19 has won thousands of followers believes the looming lockdown that has angered many "is starting to look like a sensible decision".

Debate is still raging over the Scottish government decision to escalate the Highlands from a level 1 to 4 footing from Boxing Day amid fears over a fast-spreading mutant form of the virus.

Business leaders have warned some small firms may go under and many are already counting the cost of lost trade.

The decision also means a prolonged school holiday for thousands of children, creating a childcare nightmare for some parents and a headache for frazzled teachers.

But speaking to the Ross-shire Journal, GP Dr Ross Jaffrey, whose Safe Hands, Save Lives campaign has drawn widespread plaudits for its straight-talking factual approach to sharing cornonavirus information and advice, said: "I do think there has been a lot of confusion recently and carrot dangling by certain quarters in the lead-up to Christmas.

"I think Highland communities have done extremely well at halting Covid-19 spread. We did not have the spikes predicted due to sensible measures taken by hotels, local business and shops to protect others. I think the population density has curtailed much of how this disease spreads – even so Raigmore and surrounding community hospitals have not been the harbours of Covid-19 many though they might have been early on in the pandemic.

"We reacted quickly when levels were low and have generally stuck to the rules. Local GP practices have been integral in guiding families through this difficult time, managing huge levels of anxiety related to social isolation and the fear of Covid. Local outbreaks were being contact traced quickly by affected individuals and families, even prior to the official contact tracing."

The GP, who has patients in Muir of Ord and Beauly, hailed some businesses for taking a lead on self-testing staff, amongst them local builders Simpsons and Ross County FC. He said: "Our care homes, serviced by local staff, have been tested weekly and again have proven fantastic early warning bell weathers for their surrounding areas. We are lucky to have such commitment, and uptake amount these groups to test themselves weekly remains high."

Acknowledging differences of opinion, he said that given a rise in Scotland's virus numbers and the fact NHS Highland has witnessed its highest seven-day case rate average, the new measures are "starting to look like a sensible decision and should hopefully have a more limited local economic impact - as the benefits of a more stable 'reopening' at the end of January appear. With case numbers ramping up slowly in December, he said "there is an opportunity to drive Covid-19 numbers down" and permit a level 1 return at the end of the proposed period of restrictions. He said: "At that point I do hope policy becomes regional once again. This may not have been the case if further 'seeding' occurred through travel.

He said: "There are still many businesses struggling who have lost so much due to these recent changes. They need huge support. We are still waiting on the community vaccination plans - which will hopefully be forthcoming just after the New Year."

While that will be "a huge challenge", he said the region "has really tapped into something special during the pandemic, neighbours talking to each other and communities selflessly helping vulnerable groups. I hope this is the legacy we eventually see once Covid-19 has been contained and defeated."

He said: "Look out for each other and keep up that community spirit."

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