Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has welcomed the Scottish Government’s upcoming relaxation of COVID rules.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that North Lanarkshire will move to Level 0 on Monday, July 19, along with every other local authority in Scotland.
Moving to Level 0 means that eight people from four households will be able to meet indoors.
The limit on attendance at weddings and funerals will increase to 200 people.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and children arriving into Scotland will no longer be required to self-isolate and take a day eight test, but adults and children over 12 will still take tests before travelling and on day two after arrival.
Face coverings will continue to be mandatory in certain settings.
Ms Adamson said: “It is good news to see the move to level 0 from next Monday.
"We can start to enjoy a return to some level of normality following the most difficult year that I think many of us can remember.
“But I am heartened to see that the Scottish Government is acting cautiously, proportionately, and sensibly. Now is not the time to abandon all public health measures.
“A gradual approach gives us the best chance of ensuring that we do not see cases and hospitalisations surge again – forcing us backwards.
“This pandemic is not over; the virus still poses a real risk to our society and hospitals are facing huge pressures. I am hugely grateful to the residents of Motherwell and Wishaw for continuing to abide by the measures in place.
“There is definitely light at the end of this tunnel. It is vital that you continue to follow the rules in place and get vaccinated when you have the opportunity.
“NHS Lanarkshire is operating vaccine drop-in clinics for everyone over 18 who has not yet had a first dose – or if it has been more than eight weeks since your first dose.”
Conservative Central Scotland list MSP Meghan Gallacher welcomed the lifting of some restrictions, but insisted there are several questions that the Scottish Government have to answer.
Ms Gallacher said: “While it is welcome our communities will be moving to Level 0 on Monday, albeit with some modifications, there are a number of issues the SNP are failing to get on top of.
“Vaccination rates have slowed to their lowest level in three months and SNP Ministers left our critical Test and Protect system get completely overwhelmed.
“Businesses will also continue to be impacted by workers remaining at home and our hospitality and night time industries are still going to be operating under restrictions or are still unable to open at all.
“Nicola Sturgeon also failed to give pupils, parents and teachers any indication when they will know if self-isolation rules will end ahead of the new school term and she also dismissed plans our plans for a network of long COVID clinics.
“Recent weeks have seen SNP Ministers take their eye off the ball in fighting the pandemic. While I understand the need to remain cautious when it comes to public health, this has meant Scotland is now lagging behind our neighbours in England.
“People have made unimaginable sacrifices over the last 16 months and have played their part in fighting the virus.
"It is critical that the SNP now keep up their end of the bargain and speed up the vaccination programme to ensure restrictions can continue to safely be eased in the coming weeks.”
