Joint Council Leaders respond to allocation of levels to local authorities

Date: 
Friday, 30 October, 2020


Joint Council Leaders Councillor Andrew Polson and Councillor Vaughan Moody have responded to the Scottish Government’s allocation of levels to local authorities as part of their Five Tier Framework to control the spread of Covid-19:

Councillor Polson said, “We anticipated that East Dunbartonshire would be allocated to level 3 in the new Framework for managing Covid-19 as this is consistent with our current infection levels in the area and the measures in place across the wider NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board area.

“We welcome that keeping our schools open is a priority and believe this is essential for the education and wellbeing of our young people.  The other measures being put in place are necessary for us to reduce infection rates and to stop the spread of Covid-19 and it is absolutely essential that we follow the guidance to control the spread of infection and ultimately save lives.  The only way for East Dunbartonshire to progress to a lower level and less restrictions is to reduce our infection rates, and I urge everyone in this area to play their part in that.

“I have said before that it is hugely challenging to not be allowed to meet with our friends and families in our own homes, but all of us have a responsibility to take this action to reduce the spread and avoid more stringent restrictions at a higher level if what is now in place is not adhered to.”

Councillor Moody added, “This pandemic is far from over and it is clear from the data that more action is needed to curb the Covid-19 infection rates and bring them right down.  We have seen our pubs and restaurants closed for almost three weeks now and as we move in to our level 3 restrictions from Monday (2 November) the hospitality sector has increased opportunity to open – but it must be within the guidance. 

“We’d like to acknowledge that the majority of our business sector locally has complied with the guidance in place, and thank them for that.  Our local economy is important and the only way to keep it functioning and avoid more challenging and restrictive measures is to bring our infection rates down.

“We all have a personal responsibility keep Covid-19 in check.  Good hygiene and physical distancing are key – and fundamentally, it is essential that if you have symptoms of Covid-19 you and your household must immediately self-isolate to stop the spread.  By following the measures in place, we believe we can reduce infection rates here in East Dunbartonshire.”

* Details of the levels allocated to local authorities are available.

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