Moray's Covid-19 restrictions to be eased from midnight
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COVID-19 restrictions will be eased in Moray from midnight tonight, it has been announced today.
Nicola Sturgeon gave the go-ahead for the region's move from Level 3 coronavirus restrictions down to Level 2 in her coronavirus briefing today.
The First Minister said she was grateful to Moray's population who had played their part in efforts, led by NHS Grampian public health officials, to drive down transmission rates.
The weekly case rate in Moray has fallen to 37 per 100,000 after testing was stepped up and vaccination rolled out to all over-18s.
NHS Grampian said yesterday that around 80 per cent of those aged 40-49 in Moray have had their first dose of vaccine, around 64 per cent of those aged 30-39, and 68 per cent of those aged 18-29.
Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns paid tribute to the Moray-wide response after the First Minister's briefing.
He said: "It’s hugely welcome news that Moray will move to Level 2 from midnight and I pay tribute to the community, NHS and council colleagues for their response to the increased and enhanced testing and accelerated vaccination programmes.
"Thanks also to our vibrant business community for their support and forbearance as we overcame this challenge together.
"The move to Level 2 means so much to so many: our residents, who can make the most of more freedoms including the simple pleasures of hugging their loved ones and socialising indoors; visitors, who will be warmly welcomed and who we ask they enjoy Moray safely and responsibly; and businesses, who are ready and waiting to throw open their doors as restrictions ease.
"This outbreak in Moray has brought it home how easy it is for the virus to run out of control.
"We all have a responsibility to play our part in reducing the risk of transmitting coronavirus. Our progress is welcome but fragile."
He added: "If you test positive, financial and practical support is available for you; we know self-isolation is tough but it’s critical. Please also continue to work from home if you can, follow FACTS, continue with regular testing and roll up your sleeve when it’s your turn for your second dose of the vaccine."
Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "The decision to allow Moray to move into Level 2 will no doubt come as a huge relief to people in our local communities.
"I want to thank everyone in Moray who, over the last few weeks, have gone the extra mile to get case numbers down and to help return us to a more stable position. I also want to pay huge tribute to our local health workers who have done a phenomenal job in rolling out additional testing and accelerating vaccinations for adults in Moray – the efforts of our public health team over the last few weeks has been phenomenal.
"I’m sure people in Moray will be delighted by the easing of restrictions and I hope that everyone will enjoy having more freedom. However, I would urge everyone to continue to be very careful – the last few weeks have shown us that Moray isn’t immune from community outbreaks and we all need to stick to the guidance to keep Moray safe."
Moray's Conservative MP Douglas Ross received his first vaccine on Sunday at the Fiona Elcock Centre in Elgin, and said he had been impressed by the whole organisation and the professionalism of staff.
Mr Ross said: "I know it has been difficult for people and businesses in Moray to remain in Level 3 while almost every other part of the country saw restrictions eased but today’s news is extremely welcome and will be a relief to many.
"This has only been possible due to the effort by everyone in the local community here in Moray but special mention must go to our NHS staff.
"One of the crucial factors in getting the number of cases down has been more testing and an increase in the vaccinations.
"The massive increase in vaccinations has no doubt helped get Moray back to a more positive situation, which is why I took the opportunity to thank Alison Smart and her team during a debate in the House of Commons this week."
Moray and Glasgow remained at level three when the rest of the mainland moved to Level 2 on Monday, May 17.
Glasgow will remain in Level 3 for another week before this is reviewed.
