Responding to the First Minister’s announcement in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon (Tuesday), of new restrictions South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said:

“The news that the Scottish Government is going backwards on easing lockdown is a sobering reminder that it is more important than ever that we take precautions to keep ourselves and our communities safe. We need to continue to act responsibly and use common sense.

“We should never lose sight of the fact this virus is still out there and ultimately saving lives is the most important consideration in everything we do.

“I know many people will be disappointed and confused that if they want to meet members of their own family from another house they have to go to a pub or restaurant, often mixing with crowds of people, but a loved one can’t visit them in their own home unless they are part of their extended household.

“The proposed curfew will be felt particularly hard in the hospitality and tourism industries which employ thousands of people in the south of Scotland. Throughout the pandemic, these sectors have faced huge issues adjusting to the new ‘normal’ and with this announcement, it is inevitable many who work in tourism and hospitality will be extremely fearful about the future.

“The Scottish Government is going to have to do all it can to ensure the whole industry doesn’t falter, which would be a disaster for thousands of jobs across the region.”

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