NHS Lanarkshire’s chief executive has welcomed the announcement that both North and South Lanarkshire has been placed in tier 3 of Scotland’s framework to suppress the virus.
However, she also has a stark warning that the area continues to be extremely close to the most restrictive top tier and the position in Lanarkshire will be reviewed daily.
Heather Knox, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, is encouraging locals to follow the guidance immediately to avoid Lanarkshire residents being placed in tier 4.
Ms Knox said: “NHS Lanarkshire is jointly working with its partners to support the combined effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
“The measures that were put in place across the Central Belt are now showing some impact and we are already starting to see a reduction in occupied hospital beds.
“However, I would like to remind the public that, at present, Covid-19 is causing severe pressure on our resources in Lanarkshire.
“To protect our loved ones, our staff and our hospitals, it is vitally important that everyone takes personal responsibility and follows Scottish Government guidance, taking into account the consequences of their actions on their families, community, local business and people’s livelihoods.”
From Monday 2 November, Lanarkshire will enter level 3 restrictions. Everyone must comply with these restrictions as a rise in infections will move the area into a level 4 lockdown.
Under Scotland’s Strategic Framework, tier 3 states means that:
- Schools and formal childcare can remain open. Informal childcare permitted in line with household numbers restrictions and children only may enter the other household
- No in-home socialising
- 6 people from 2 households can meet outdoors and in public places for example in hospitality settings. Cafes, pubs and restaurants allowed to open until 18:00 to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol sales would not be permitted indoors or outdoors.
- No non-essential travel into or out of the level 3 area – exemptions for essential travel for work, education, outdoor exercise etc.
- Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
- Avoid nonessential use of public transport
- Weddings/civil partnerships, funerals and wakes and receptions have a 20 person limit
Ms Knox added: “Lanarkshire currently has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 transmission in Scotland.
“By working together and following the guidance, we can protect our loved ones and avoid harsher restrictions.
“We need to ensure that our hospitals comply with physical distancing. Therefore, please do not attend our emergency departments unless it is an emergency.
“If you have an appointment at one of our clinics or departments, please attend alone. The exception to this is for children and vulnerable adults, who can be accompanied by one person.”
“I would like to remind everyone about F.A.C.T.S. Everyone should take care to wear a face covering when indoors, on public transport or when physical distancing is difficult. We should avoid crowded places and clean our hands regularly. We should also keep a two metre distance from others and self-isolate and book a test if we show symptoms.”
Full details on tier 3 of Scotland’s Strategic Framework can be found on the Scottish Government’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework/pages/1/
