On the First Minister’s speech today outlining the outcomes of the first review of the Covid-19 Strategic Framework, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses and communities will be greatly relieved that a national lockdown has not been imposed across Scotland. However, as soon as evidence shows the growth of the infection is reducing, we expect restrictions to be eased sooner rather than later enabling our economy to re-open.

“Meanwhile, those areas that are moving up a level and those in Level 3 face devastating consequences unless rapid and effective business stimulus is put in place.

“The impact of travel restrictions is already heavily contributing to the loss of business in all our sectors so we welcome the decision not to put legislation in place. We do not believe that this is the time to be bringing in further restrictions.  Compliance should be encouraged rather than enforced – otherwise it will simply not work.

“We urge the Scottish Government to use the data to inform where the growth of the virus emanates from. Businesses including the hospitality sector have invested tens of millions of pounds in creating safe and viable environments for staff and customers. It is far more effective to target areas and behaviors behind the growth of virus rather than shutting the economy down, because this is not viable or sustainable. The data should be clear as to where and how the virus is spreading.

“Progress on a vaccine is greatly welcome. We expect the Scottish Government to be working out a detailed roll out plan as an urgent priority as soon as a vaccine is approved. However, until it becomes widely available, we still need to live with and manage the virus whilst keeping our economy open.”