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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Craig Paton & Kirsty Feerick

'The virus hasn't gone away' Scots urged by John Swinney not to ditch Covid restrictions as lockdown gets eased further

Scots are being urged not to ditch Covid-19 restrictions as lockdown gets eased further.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney is pleading with Scots to continue following coronavirus rules so the virus can continue being suppressed.

From Monday garden centres, homeware stores and click and collect services allowed to reopen, along with barbers and hairdressers.

One local man said Glastonbury had "hit the Meadows" (Edinburgh Live)

It comes after stay at home order was lifted on Friday and replaced with guidance to "stay local", which urges people to remain within their local authority area.

On a visit to a garden centre in Perthshire, Mr Swinney said it is important to remember the virus is still circulating.

He added: "It's absolutely wonderful to be out and about again. After the long winter months of being cooped up inside, I know everyone will be keen to get back to our more normal lives.

"We are seeing real progress in our fight against this dreadful pandemic.

"The hard sacrifices of the country - coupled with the fantastic effort of the vaccine programme getting jabs into arms of millions of Scots - is really paying dividends.

"While it's great news that garden centres and hairdressers are allowed to reopen, everyone needs to bear in mind that it doesn't mean the virus has gone away."

It comes after police swarmed Edinburgh after vicious fights broke out during a huge park party.

Officers have condemned the disorder and chaos that erupted after thousands descended on the Meadows this weekend, as the city enjoyed warm weather and the stay-at-home order came to an end.

Two men were allegedly assaulted yesterday as massive groups of revellers showed up at to enjoy the sun.

Mr Swinney urged people to stick with the rules for now.

He added: "The virus is down but it's not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.

"But being here today demonstrates that we are making very welcome steps back towards the normal life we all so dearly wish for.

"My message is simple - enjoy the latest relaxing of the rules but remember to look out for each other, too. Together we will beat this virus."

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