Linda Fabiani MSP is urging her East Kilbride constituents to ‘stay local’ when exercising and walking dogs, and to avoid any unnecessary travel that could help spread coronavirus.
Official advice from the Scottish and UK governments warns that people should not be driving somewhere with the intent of doing exercise or walking their dog – with new powers granted to police to enforce these regulations.
To protect yourself and others from illness and save lives, people in the town should also avoid driving to busy local beauty spots such as James Hamilton Heritage Park or Calderglen Country Park.
Reckless individuals were spotted ignoring crucial COVID-19 public safety advice by flocking to the town’s two main parks the weekend before lockdown.
Scores of families and large groups of people were spotted soaking up the sunshine.
And it was no different on the first weekend of lockdown, with shocking images showing high numbers of people travelling to Strathclyde Country Park.
Even former News reporter Lorraine Kelly highlighted the problem on Good Morning Britain, telling Piers Morgan her mum, who still lives in EK, aired concerns over groups of teens out boozing in the afternoon.
Lorraine asked: “When are they going to get the message?”
Linda Fabiani said this week: “Of course, exercise is extremely important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s important to note that people can leave their homes for exercise once a day, with members of their own household.
“However, you should only be outside for a reasonable purpose – buying food or essential household or medical supplies; travelling to or carrying out essential work; exercising once a day; or providing care or assistance to others.
“People in East Kilbride should make use of gardens – if they can – and stay local when exercising or walking dogs, to ensure that we stop the spread of coronavirus.
“This is about saving lives and protecting our NHS. We all recognise how unusual these regulations are, and the Scottish Government will act to remove these restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”
