Covid-19 restrictions lessen in South Lanarkshire, but caution still required

It was one of 11 local authority areas in central Scotland placed in the top level 4 of restrictions last month, due to rising number of coronavirus cases.

But yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that all 11 areas would move down to level 3.

Restrictions will change at 6pm on Friday, with the exception of retail premises forced to close under the level 4 restrictions, which will be permitted to re-open from 6am.

Ms Sturgeon said this was intended to help stores and shopping centres better manage the flow of customers after the period of closure.

But she added: “I would appeal to everyone living in level 4 areas to continue to exercise care and caution.

“As we know from our experience of Covid so far, progess can very easily go into reverse. So please continue to abide by the rules. That means, in particular, no visiting other people’s houses.”

Ms Sturgeon also stressed travel restrictions remained in place, with travel in and out of level 3 areas still not permitted.

Compared to when South Lanarkshire was placed under level 4 restrictions, the number of cases of Covid-19 in the area has fallen by well over a third.

South Lanarkshire Council Leader John Ross said: “I am pleased that the collective efforts of people across Lanarkshire mean our area can move out of Covid Protection Level 4 and into Level 3, from this Friday.

“This means non-essential shops can re-open across South Lanarkshire and hospitality businesses can get back to serving local communities, albeit with some remaining restrictions.

“This will be a real boost for South Lanarkshire businesses in the run-up to Christmas and I would urge local people to support local traders as they make their plans and buy their purchases for the festive period.

“If we want our local businesses to survive and be there for us in the future then we need to support them now.”