ISLANDS MSP WELCOMES CHANGE TO COVID DESIGNATION

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed today’s announcement from the First Minister that the Western Isles will enter COVID Level 0 from this Saturday. [5 June]

This means that from this weekend up to 8 people from 4 households can meet in each other’s homes and can stay overnight, up to 10 people from 4 households cam meet in an indoor public place, and up to 15 people from 15 households outdoors. Up to 200 people will be able to attend weddings and funerals. Local licensing laws will apply to hospitality venues with no set nationwide closing time.

Anyone travelling to any of the islands is asked to use a lateral flow test before doing so to minimise the risk of taking the virus to island communities                                                                                                                                                                            

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“This comes as extremely welcome news after more than a year of Individuals and businesses having to make great sacrifices to stop the spread of COVID our communities.

“While today’s announcement does not mean there are no restrictions at all, it does mean that life in the islands should now move nearer to normal. This is only possible because of our high levels of vaccination and I would like to again pay tribute to the vaccination team at NHS Western Isles who have gone above and beyond in rolling out the vaccine locally.

“I would urge anyone who is planning to travel to the islands to take lateral flow tests. They can be ordered online for free and taking them before travel will help reduce the risk of importing the virus.”