The fight against coronavirus is going to be a long struggle, not just to contain the virus but also to get over its economic, health and social effects.
Right now, with Glasgow and Moray remaining in level-three lockdown and at least two other areas – East Renfrewshire and Midlothian – showing a worrying rise in cases, it is beginning to feel like one step forwards and one step back.
A decision on whether to return these areas to the stricter level will be taken by the end of this week.
In the meantime, the accelerated vaccine roll-out to these affected areas is being stepped up.
People under 40 are now being offered the vaccine in Glasgow and the simple message is that if you are offered the jab, take it.
In the next few days the new and more infectious Indian variant could become the far more prevalent strain of Covid in the UK.
So far vaccines offer the best protection against Covid, including the new strain. It is vital as many people as possible get the jab.
If you have missed the first chance to be inoculated or were hesitant in coming forward, now is the time to step up and be vaccinated.
Vaccines alone cannot defeat Covid or its effects but they are our best defence against the virus.
The jabs, preferably two of them, are essential to keep us safer and make sure there is no return to the dark days of lockdown.
We must look out for each other – and ourselves – by getting vaccinated.
Abuse . . . no excuse
A rise in the number of criminal convictions is usually greeted with horror by members of the public and opposition politicians.
But there can be welcome news buried within the data published each year by the Scottish Government.
A new law against domestic abuse took effect from April 2019 and has already secured 206 convictions in its first year of operation – a conviction rate of 84 per cent.
It’s a positive reminder of a commitment by ministers and police to get serious about domestic abuse and ensure there is no hiding place for its perpetrators.
For too long this crime was ignored by communities and the courts.
Domestic violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.
The old excuses of it being a matter for families to deal with simply don’t wash any more.
Let’s hope police and prosecutors continue their zero tolerance approach to this awful crime.
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