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MSP Kate Forbes, whose Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch seat takes in Dingwall and Black Isle, implores Highland public to heed new coronavirus rules


By Neil MacPhail

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North MSP Kate Forbes makes covid plea.
North MSP Kate Forbes makes covid plea.

HIGHLANDERS are being urged to obey the new anti-covid measures announced yesterday.

Kate Forbes the Dingwall-based constituency MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, made the plea shortly after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced them in the Scottish Parliament.

From today, and with some exceptions such as for tradespeople and for informal childcare, visiting other households will not be permitted.

From Friday (September 25), pubs, clubs and restaurants will have to close at 10pm.

In recent days both the Aviemore Triathlon and the official unveiling ceremony for the Collie Mackenzie sculpture on the Isle of Skye have been postponed due to concerns about events involving large groups.

Over the past month, the rolling seven-day average for new positive cases in the NHS Highland area has gone from 1.6 (August 20) to 7.1 (September 20). The national equivalent figures are 70.0 and 211.1.

Ms Forbes said: “None of us want to see further restrictions implemented, and many have made so many sacrifices in recent months. However, the virus is rising faster than any of us is comfortable with.

“As such, in cracking down on the virus now we can protect each other, as well as jobs and education in the long run. These are not easy, but the new restrictions implemented will hopefully minimise disruption whilst dealing with the risk.

“This year has been unimaginably difficult for each one of us who are missing friends, unable to go on holiday and facing redundancy. I don’t for one minute underestimate the frustration, worry and at times fatigue with Covid-19.

“But to ensure we keep schools open, restart NHS services and keep as many people in work as possible, we have to comply with the guidance.

“I would issue a plea to every Highland resident to follow these restrictions so that we can enjoy freedoms in other parts of our lives.”

Related: Restrictions outlined by the First Minister

Seven new coronavirus cases reported in Highland


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