South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the First Minister’s latest Covid-19 statement. Nicola Sturgeon updated MSPs during a session of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.

The First Minister announced that curbs on indoor events and venues will be eased as of January 24, this means an end to nightclub closures and to table service in pubs. She also said that as from Monday, non professional indoor contact sport for adults can resume. The guidance to limit household indoor gatherings to three will also be lifted.

Colin Smyth said: “This news will be very welcome to our long suffering hospitality sector and those who take part in indoor sports, which have been continually affected by restrictions for almost two years now. It made little sense to say 50,000 people could go to a professional football match, but a local amateur team couldn’t take part in an indoor training session.

“If this latest Covid wave has taught us anything, it’s that the Scottish and UK Governments need to start to work better together in the national interest at this time of crisis by urgently reviewing the level of support they provide.

“This is a time of anxiety for people and many are still worried about their lives and livelihoods as the pandemic continues, and both our Governments need to step up to the mark to support them.

“While omicron cases appear to be levelling off, the huge numbers we saw in recent weeks across the south of Scotland continue to put the NHS, other public services and businesses under huge pressure.

“Once again, I would urge everyone to get vaccinated, take regular lateral flow tests, wear a face covering when in shops and on public transport and use common sense when mixing.”