Rutherglen’s MSP has called on locals to aid the “national effort” as Scotland enters its third lockdown in less than 10 months.
Tough new measures were introduced from Monday night to try to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus.
Clare Haughey told the Reformer the move was made as a reaction to the “desperate reality” the country is currently facing.
Schools will remain closed until at least the beginning of next month under the new rules.
Ms Haughey added that everything must be done to stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed with patients.
Already in the fourth tier of restrictions, the new laws will require people to remain indoors and work from home where possible.
Outdoor gatherings have been scaled back, with individuals only allowed to meet one person from one other household, while places of worship are to be closed and group exercise banned.
The move is in response to soaring rates of the new strain of the deadly virus.
A further 1905 new cases were reported on Monday across Scotland, with the new strain believed to transmit much more quickly, particularly among young people.
Figures released on Monday showed that between Christmas Eve and Hogmanay, Covid-19 patient numbers in Lanarkshire hospitals increased by 31 per cent, going from 153 patients to 201.
The statistics also showed that South Lanarkshire had 184 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 people – considerably higher than the Scottish average of 134.
Ms Haughey said: “I know how difficult this further lockdown will be for everyone – but it is absolutely necessary to bring this killer virus under control.
“If the country does not act now then we risk the NHS being overwhelmed and even more people will die because of this virus.
“This is not a theoretical risk – it is the desperate reality Scotland faces now and over the coming weeks.
“That means everyone must play their part in a national fightback. And that means sticking to both the letter and the spirit of the new rules. Do not look for loopholes.
“So please stay at home and don’t go out unless it is entirely necessary.
“And do not travel beyond the local area if you are going out to exercise.
“If your usual exercise spot is busy, don’t add to the crowd. Try somewhere else close by where you are not giving the virus more opportunities to spread.
“We know there is renewed hope with the rollout beginning of a second vaccine – and they will be delivered to the population as fast as possible – but they can’t protect us all yet.
“So we must not let our guard down. Instead, we must redouble our vigilance and stick even more tightly to these toughened new rules.
“I know these sacrifices are very difficult but they will not be in place for a moment longer than absolutely necessary. But, unfortunately, they are currently more vital than ever.
“I know everyone in Rutherglen and Cambuslang will play their part in this national effort and together we will get through this.
“So, please, stick to the rules: Stay Home. Save lives. Protect the NHS.”
Ms Haughey’s message was echoed by Labour list MSP James Kelly, who covers the Rutherglen area.
He added: “This is really hard news for all of us but necessary to keep people safe.
“The Government must be completely transparent and set out how the vaccine will be rolled out as soon as possible.”
