Clinically vulnerable Scot wary over move to Level 0 Covid restrictions
Kirsty Mills feels not enough is being done to tackle current COVID-19 case numbers
Last updated 19th Jul 2021
As Scotland moves to Level 0 COVID-19 restrictions, one woman fears the clinically vulnerable may get left behind.
Kirsty Mills was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and liver cirrhosis more than nine years ago.
Due to the medication she takes, she is one of thousands who are "immunocompromised", meaning she has a weaker immune system.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed last week face coverings will remain mandatory for "some time" and vowed the Scottish Government "will not abandon" those at the highest clinical risk
Kirsty says she would like to know how the First Minister plans on not abandoning those who aren't clinically vulnerable.
She said: "I think (Sturgeon's comments) are potentially lip service.
"It is great she is acknowledging that, because I think there is a tendency for certain people to think that just because the clinically vulnerable have been vaccinated that we're fine now.
"That's not the case, obviously it is as good as we can be in the situation, but I think in practical terms it would be good to know how Nicola Sturgeon is planning on not abandoning us.
"It's a bit tricky to say that while at the same time infection levels are so high and it doesn't really seem like anything is being done to tackle it."
Mandatory mask wearing
Kirsty also said that she's glad face coverings will remain mandatory in Scotland for some time
"One the one hand, we do have to return to some level of normality soon.
"However, speaking as somebody who is immunocompromised, I think certain restrictions should be left in place.
"In particular, I really think wearing a mask would be super helpful.
"Obviously that is happening in Scotland, but not England, just to keep the infection rate in control.
"To have such high numbers like we have right now, really limits what I can do in terms of feeling safe and going out to places.
"Despite having the full dose of vaccines, I think to catch covid would still be really serious for me."
They also say Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith, will write to all clinically vulnerable people (who were previously on the shielding list) this week with further advice.