South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the latest Covid-19 update.

Speaking on Tuesday, the First Minister said the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland is likely to be pushed back by three weeks.

The whole country had been due to move to the lowest level zero of its five-tier system from 28 June.

Colin Smyth said: “Having lived with tough restrictions for the past 15 months, many people will be disappointed with the First Minister’s announcement that we’re delaying a move to level 0.

“New virus variants are appearing all the time and until we are all vaccinated, Covid-19 is still out there and we must take precautions to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

“I know a lot of people are frustrated at some of the contradictions in the rules.

“Parents can’t watch their kids from a safe distance at a school sports day outside but 6,000 people a day can watch the Euros in a fanzone in Glasgow.

“Now that the restrictions are likely to be extended, the Government needs to revisit some of the rules and for example, make better use of testing before events, to allow some sectors to move forward.

“In particular, there will be many people planning weddings in the summer with the hope of being in level 0 and being able to invite more guests. I hope the Government will consider at least allowing such events to take place with the extended capacity by asking guests to carry out a test ahead of the event.

“Testing is something we should all be aiming to do on a regular basis as there is no doubt the virus will be with us for some time and we have to learn to live with it and take responsibility.

“While the Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, it is also a terrible economic crisis which will continue for a long time to come.

“The UK and Scottish Government need to get their act together and ensure support is in place to get local firms through the coming months.”