Play by the rules – to keep everyone safe

The warning comes from one of Scotland’s leading Public Health voices, Dr Linda de Caestecker of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Dr de Caestecker said: “We are seeing increased number of cases in this area, often due to house parties but some also relate to visits to bars and restaurants. Nobody wants to see pubs and restaurants have to close down again.

“When we examine the rate per 100,000 population it is highest in West Dunbartonshire where many cases relate to family gatherings and parties. The next highest rate is in Glasgow City where more cases are associated with visits to bars and restaurants. Only the Inverclyde rate is remaining relatively low at present.

“I would like to thank members of the public who are abiding by the rules, and for those who aren’t, ask them to remember that they are putting themselves, their loved ones and their work colleagues at risk. As the First Minister keeps saying, things should not feel normal yet. So going out and about, visiting three or four pubs a night just doesn’t work.

“By all means go to the pub and see friends, but if you do, you must socially distance. If you go somewhere and it’s busy, you should leave and find somewhere quieter - and safer. If you are out, pick a bar and stay in that one place, as moving between venues just increases your chances of catching the virus.

“Nobody wants to back to into lockdown. Nobody wants to be forced into only seeing friends on a screen again. So if we want to continue to meet our friends and family to enjoy a night out then we all need to play by the rules.”

The Test and Protect team is carrying out Covid-19 contact tracing in another seven schools in NHSCCG area.

The latest schools in question are: High School of Glasgow, St Thomas Acquinas Secondary School, Lenzie Academy, Crookfur Primary, St Peter the Apostle High, Holyrood Secondary and Caldercuilt Primary.

There is currently no evidence of internal transmission within the schools but there are positive cases.