Scotland’s economy is being hit hard by the impact of coronavirus.
It will have come as no surprise that shutting businesses and ordering people to stay at home will devastate national finances.
Even still, it is sobering to see the forecast 33 per cent cut to GDP.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has to weigh up the different approaches to getting the country back on its feet in time.
And yesterday, she shot down suggestions there might be a shortcut to easing the strain.
On another difficult day, we counted more deaths, heard predictions of financial gloom and wondered when schools and shops will ever reopen.
And in direct language, Sturgeon pointed out there wouldn’t be an economic recovery if the public still faces a rampaging virus.
The emotive words should be enough to drown out ill-advised commentary from those who see everything as a balance sheet – even if lives are at stake.
Right-wing ideology should never lead discussions about how to get society out of this crisis.
Economics clearly informs policies to deal with the impact such as grants and other schemes to support livelihoods.
But ultimately, this will only work if health is put first and foremost.
There’s no point in having a thriving economy at the sacrifice of our citizens.
Take care of homes
One of the scandals of the pandemic has been the treatment of those who live and work in care homes.
Trade unions have sounded the alarm over the lack of PPE and care home bosses have accused the Government of inaction.
And this newspaper was first to raise the issue a month ago after deaths emerged at a care home in Lanarkshire.
Figures last week showing a quarter of all coronavirus deaths took place in care homes were shameful.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman’s announcement that all new residents to care homes will be tested should be welcomed.
A post-pandemic inquiry will no doubt focus on their delayed response. But now is not the time for an investigation.
Vulnerable residents and the staff who look after them need to be protected – regardless of how much it costs.
A winning move
One of Scotland’s best footballing moments of the last 15 years was the victory against France in Paris.
Barry Ferguson was skipper that night and the shirt he wore is one of his most treasured possessions.
His decision to auction the shirt to raise funds for the NHS is an amazing gesture – and a reminder of better days.
