Stirling’s MSP has defended the decision to keep Stirling under level three, saying that the allocation of protection levels “cannot be a comparison exercise”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week confirmed that the Stirling Council area will remain under the second highest restrictions, as well as Clackmannanshire Council, whilst neighbouring Falkirk Council remains in level two.
According to Public Health Scotland figures, between December 7 and December 13, Stirling recorded a seven day positive rate per 100,000 of the population of 74.3.
In neighbouring Clackmannanshire, the figure was 180.4 and in Falkirk it was 91.4.
Speaking to the Observer this week, MSP Bruce Crawford said: “On Tuesday, the First Minister confirmed that Stirling would remain in level three for the time being – we have to remember that this was just four days after having come out of level four, so it is too soon to know the impact this has had. In addition to this, we saw an increase in the number of cases per 100,000 population in the area from 79 to 92 last week – with the percentage of positive Covid tests rising from 3.8 per cent to 4.3 per cent in that time too.
“I therefore support this cautious approach from the Scottish Government. This is about saving lives. Across Europe, we are seeing countries going back into a full national lockdown, something that we have so far managed to avoid doing here in Scotland.
“So I would urge everyone to stick with it and keep each other safe.”
