The First Minister today revealed that Lanarkshire will not move into the tightest level of coronavirus restrictions.
However, Nicola Sturgeon said that it had been a “borderline” decision and warned that the situation will be kept under review every day.
And she issued a plea to the people of Lanarkshire to continue to play their part in tackling the coronavirus.
Yesterday, 266 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the region which has seen some of the highest transmission rates in Europe in recent weeks.
Ms Sturgeon said of Lanarkshire: “The decision between level three and level four there has been very finely balanced. Lanarkshire has a high number of cases and a high test positivity, and a high number of patients in hospital and ICU.
“However there is evidence in recent days that the situation is stabilising and that is undoubtedly down to the compliance and sacrifices of local people.
“The local councils, NHS Lanarkshire and the police believe they have strong partnership plans in place to maintain that progress under current restrictions.
“For these reasons, and given the severity of level four restrictions, we have decided that North and South Lanarkshire should remain in level three at present.
“However I want to be very clear that this has been a borderline decision and it is one that we require to keep under review, not just weekly but on a daily basis.
“I would appeal therefore to people across Lanarkshire to continue to play your part. Please abide strictly with all the rules and guidance to ensure that the rise in cases continues to slow and that more severe restrictions can be avoided.
