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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jonathan Geddes

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey urges locals to be vaccinated despite easing of restrictions

Rutherglen's MSP has urged locals to ensure they are vaccinated, even with coronavirus restrictions set to ease.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed earlier this week that almost all of the remaining restrictions in the country will end from next Monday, August 9.

Among the changes will be an end to social distancing in nearly every setting, meaning that nightclubs can reopen, concerts can be held again and pubs and restaurants can increase capacity.

Close contacts of people who test positive will also no longer need to self-isolate, assuming they are vaccinated and have tested negative for the virus themselves.

However Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP , has also cautioned residents not to get carried away.

Rutherglen and Cambuslang has been among the worst hit areas in Lanarkshire by the virus, and cases remain high in some areas.

Halfway, Hallside and Drumsagard, for instance, had 28 new cases within the past seven days, while there were a further 12 new cases in Cambuslang Central and a further 12 in Fernhill and Cathkin.

Ms Haughey has now asked locals to ensure they are vaccinated.

She said: "The First Minister’s announcement is very welcome and exciting.

"The difficult sacrifices we’ve all made over the past 18 months, coupled with one of the most successful vaccination programmes in the world, have led us to this point.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank everyone across Rutherglen and Cambuslang for sticking to the rules.

"However, declaring freedom from, or victory over, COVID-19 is premature, so a number of precautions are necessary right now.

"By keeping the requirement for face coverings and asking people who can to keep working from home will help reduce transmission.

"Around 1,000 cases per day are being reported whilst local prevalence rates are still quite high, people are continuing to be hospitalised or sadly passing away, therefore we must be clear that this move does not signal the end of the pandemic.

"I’m sure we will all enjoy the new changes, but to keep you and others safe, please ensure you get both your vaccinations."

A vaccine drop-in centre is operating at Fernhill Community Centre from 9am until 5pm every day until Sunday.

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