Midlothian set to stay in level three as plan to ease covid rules ditched
East Lothian will move into level two as previously announced
Last updated 23rd Nov 2020
It's been confirmed a plan to ease coronavirus restrictions in Midlothian is not going ahead, with just hours to spare.
Last week businesses are public officials in the region were told to prepare for it to move from level three into level two of the Scottish Government's Covid-19 protection framework.
The change would mean relaxations to the rules in sectors like hospitality and leisure.
But the First Minister announced at the daily briefing on Monday lunchtime health officials were looking into a rise in cases in the region, meaning the change may not happen.
Later, the Council confirmed it would remain in level three.
Councillor Derek Milligan, leader of Midlothian Council said: “This is disappointing for business and communities given the hard work and preparation that has gone into the plans for opening up tomorrow.
"Many businesses have taken staff back from furlough and placed orders for goods worth tens of thousands of pounds, some of which is perishable. This decision will make an already volatile situation worse.
“We are also disappointed at the short notice given the importance of this decision. On Monday last week we received an email to say we would remain in level 3, by the Tuesday we received word that we would be moving to level 2 and now today we hear that we are back in level 3 based on the data, which was only shared with us this morning.”
Along with Midlothian, it was also announced last week East Lothian was set to move into level two.
That change will go ahead at 6am on Tuesday morning.
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, said: “I know this will be disappointing for people in Midlothian, however, it is better than moving down a level only to possibly have to move back up again in a week’s time.
“We were clear that moving Midlothian to Level two was dependent on current positive trends in this area continuing. But unfortunately, over the last week we have seen an increase in case numbers and test positivity rates in Midlothian.
“We will continue to monitor the position in Midlothian and work together with the Council on its plans for ensuring that a move down is sustainable when the time is right.”
Ealier, Ms Sturgeon also indicated there will be little change to the level of other areas in the weekly review of the coronavirus framework tomorrow.
As it stands West Lothian is in level four, along with the rest of west central Scotland, while Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk are in level three.
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