Anti-vaccine yobs have been slammed for defacing signs leading to a drop-in centre – just as Covid cases in the region soar again.
Graffiti claiming that the virus was a "hoax" and a "lie" was spray painted over road signs directing patients to Fernhill community centre in Rutherglen, which is acting as a drop-in centre for vaccinations.
The vandalism occurred as stats show that coronavirus cases across Lanarkshire have more than doubled in the last week, with Rutherglen and Cambuslang the worst affected areas.
Last week saw 237 cases in the two towns, which equates to 3.89 cases per 1000 residents – higher than the national average of 3.17 per 1000 residents.
The rise comes after the Scottish Government confirmed it hoped to lift all remaining restrictions by August 9, dependent on progress against the virus spreading.
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey hit out at the mindless actions.
She said: “It’s very disappointing that signage leading to the Covid-19 vaccination site has been vandalised with anti-vaccine messages.
“Covid-19 is no hoax – just ask one of the thousands of families who have been grieving across Scotland. We are still seeing record numbers of people contract Covid, hospitalisations are rising, and people are losing their lives to Covid-19 almost every day.
“Thankfully, we have vaccines which are saving more and more lives, but our vaccination programme still has some months to go before completion. I wish to reassure people that Covid-19 vaccines being used have gone through the same levels of rigorous review and testing as any other vaccine.
“Anyone causing fear and alarm through disinformation should be challenged and condemned. I’d strongly encourage any local resident to get the vaccine when offered as it’ll protect you, your community, and will help us achieve our goal of lifting all restrictions in the months to come."
A number of baseless online conspiracy theories have spread since coronavirus first appeared, alleging that it had been faked as a way for governments or other groups and businesses to, somehow, take control of the population.
10,150 Scots have died from the disease since last March.
Dr Mark Russell, Lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Lanarkshire, stressed that locals with any concerns about the vaccine should read up on the science behind the jabs and on coronavirus.
He said: “NHS Lanarkshire is seeing a continued increase in Covid-19 cases across Lanarkshire. These are mainly from the new Delta variant, which is much more transmissible.
"The main way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones is by getting vaccinated. Receiving both doses of the covid-19 vaccine offers maximum protection and will help us continue on the road back to normality.
"Some people may experience side effects from the vaccine, however these are usually mild and will only last a couple of days and are much less serious than developing coronavirus.
"We have increased the number of drop-in clinics to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccine."
Dr Russell added that further information about the vaccine can be found either here or here.
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