Scottish Government confirms another three-week lockdown
The Scottish Government has announced the introduction of another three-week lockdown effective from Thursday, 7 May but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as they also release their suggestions on what could happen at the next phase of the pandemic lockdown.
By law, the review of COVID-19 regulations must take place every three weeks to ensure that they remain proportionate to tackle the public health emergency, and the absolute necessity of suppressing the virus, but also recognise the broader harms to health, the economy, and society that are the side-effects of these measures.
At present, the weight of evidence across these harms indicates that there is very little room, if any, for changing the restrictions at this time.
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, said:
“It will be vital that we as Government make absolutely clear what we expect of you and why, and we will ask in return for you to continue your hard work.
“I know it has not been easy and will continue to be hard, but if we work together in a spirit of openness, kindness, and determination, we will succeed.”
Decision Framework
Further information has also been released by the Scottish Government on their framework for decision making document which suggests that their next phase will consist of:
- allowing people to leave the house more than once
- meet a small bubble of family members but perhaps not within closed quarters
- phase back in the construction and retail sectors as long as it can be carried out safely
There are yet to be any dates confirmed on when these changes will be implemented.
The Scottish Government has also launched a new tool that allows people the opportunity to offer their ideas and reflections on how Scotland should move forward in order to overcome the challenges to make it out of lockdown. Ideas can be submitted until 10 pm on 11 May.
Propertymark Resources
Propertymark continues to support its members through the COVID-19 crisis, with a series of online resources for members including responsive webinars, fact sheets, and email updates. Daryl McIntosh, Propertymark’s Strategic Development Manager, provided an update for agents in Scotland on the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and other issues affecting agents in Scotland.
Kindly shared by NAEA Propertymark
