Cross border COVID-19 cluster

Emma Harper South Scotland MSP said;

“I have been contacted by constituents across Dumfries and Galloway who are concerned about the identification of a small cluster of COVID-19 cases across the region, and about the potential for this number to increase – particularly as we approach the resumption of the tourism season.

“I understand these concerns, and I am confident in the assurances provided by the First Minister, National Clinical Director for Scotland and by NHS Dumfries and Galloway, that they are doing all they can to implement the Test and Protect Strategy which is about tracking, tracing and isolating people in order to suppress further spread of the coronavirus.

“I am also working closely with Scottish Government colleagues, South Scotland Enterprise and tourism businesses the length and breadth of our region to make sure appropriate measures are in place to ensure that people visiting our region – are welcome – and that we help visitors understand that Scotland is taking a different approach to easing the lockdown restrictions compared to other parts of the UK.

“We must ensure that visitors are welcome and that people wishing to come and enjoy our beautiful region know that public health remains the first priority.

“I would appeal to opposition politicians not to play politics with public health. This is extremely important. Everyone must support the public health response as this virus has not gone away. The approach of the Scottish Government is working.”