Covid Scotland: Everything Nicola Sturgeon said as Edinburgh set to move to Level 0 on July 19
| Author | Katie Williams |
| Date | 13 July 2021 |
| Published date | 13 July 2021 |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
The First Minister opened by emphasising that "this is a time for continued caution - for government to take the tough decisions necessary to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of the country."
You can see all of today's Covid updates on our dedicated live blog here.
She added: "Measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important, not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to give protection and assurance to those amongst us who are particularly vulnerable and previously had to shield.
"Lifting all restrictions and mitigations right now would put all of us at greater risk - but in particular it would make it much more difficult for the most clinically vulnerable to go about their normal lives. It would risk the imposition of shielding by default and that is not something we should do."
Current Coronavirus Figures
The total confirmed as positive has risen by 2,529 to 318,566
Sadly 4 more patients who tested positive have died (7,761 in total)
There are 506 people in hospital, up by 37 more than yesterday.
41 people are in intensive care, 1 more than yesterday.
More than 80% of 30 to 39 year olds have had a first dose, as well as two thirds of 18 to 29-year-olds.
All 18 to 29-year-olds have now had a first dose appointment scheduled.
Virtually all over 60 year olds have now had both doses with uptake is 96% among 55 to 59 year olds, 89% in 50 to 54 year olds, and 61% in 40 to 49 year olds.
Speaking about the current level of infection, the First Minister spoke with caution with a reminder of the risk of long Covid.
She added: "To say that it doesn't matter - when we don't yet fully understand what the long term consequences might be - would risk treating them as an experiment. It won't surprise anybody to hear that I don't think we should do that.
"These are just some of the reasons for continued caution - even as our optimism about the impact of vaccination continues to grow. That sense of caution is reinforced by looking at the international situation and listening to the WHO."
Sturgeon pointed out that multiple countries in Europe have issued restrictions as cases rise and Israel, which had a successful vaccination programme and Japan that did well in suppressing the virus, is now seeing sharp increased.
The First Minister said: "As the Delta variant becomes more...
To continue reading
Request your trial