New Covid measures will 'frighten' many Ross-shire businesses as concern over omicron variant triggers new Scottish Government precautions

MANY Ross-shire businesses will be alarmed by the implications of the latest coronavirus guidance in the run-up to Christmas.

That's the view of Federation of Small Businesses' Highlands & Islands development manager, David Richardson, in the wake of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's latest briefing in light of concerns over the omicron variant of the virus.

A number of hospitality businesses have already reported a surge in cancellations amid uncertainty over a new variant of Covid.

Mr Richardson said: "Today’s announcement from the First Minister will frighten many Highlands tourism and hospitality, retail, and other customer-facing businesses.

"The run-up to Christmas is a vitally important time in these businesses’ calendars, and they are now faced with having to reintroduce Covid measures that they had hoped to have seen the back of for good – things like physical distancing and screens in retail and hospitality.

"Not only that, but there is a very real danger that the call to minimise social contact before and after Christmas will act like a bucket of iced water on those planning to go out and spend in our high streets. Customer footfall and spend means everything to these businesses.

"Our latest FSB survey shows that things were gradually returning to normal in the Highlands and many firms were eagerly anticipating 2022. Omicron has now spoiled that, and hospitality and other businesses, and their suppliers, are deeply worried.

"While the grant support announced today is very welcome, it is essential that the money reaches firms as quickly as possible, especially since the new household mixing rules are bound to cause another surge in cancellations.”

The First Minister noted the "exponential" rise in new cases and said it is now essential to take action to curb it. Measures include hospitality traders working to reduce crowding at bars and tables and a legal duty on employers to allow staff to work from home wherever possible.

Asking people to limit contacts with other households – to three households at most with a recommendation to test beforehand – she backed efforts to speed up vaccination and boosters. She said: "Omicron has a very high attack rate – one person is likely to infect many people."

First Minister sets out new precautions as omicron variant cases rise 'exponentially'

What's YOUR view? Do you back the precautions or do you feel your business will be adversely affected? Is it a price that must be paid? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

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