Coronavirus in Edinburgh: Residents give their thoughts on the tightening of lockdown

The First Minister announced new measures aimed at preventing a second wave of Covid-19, but what do you think of the new restrictions put in place for Scotland?
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Nicola Sturgeon announced a new raft of restrictions for Scotland in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus on Tuesday.

Speaking in Holyrood, Scotland’s First Minister unveiled several new measures including the introduction of a 10pm curfew at pubs, bars and restaurants.

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Out of step with the rest of the UK, the Scottish Government also introduced a ban on visiting other homes.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a raft of new lockdown restrictions on Tuesday.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a raft of new lockdown restrictions on Tuesday.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a raft of new lockdown restrictions on Tuesday.

The latest measures come as Scotland – and the rest of the UK – experience a sharp rise in new cases of Covid-19. But do you agree with the new rules put in place by the Scottish Government on Tuesday?

We asked Evening News readers for their thoughts – and it's fair to say the new measures have divided opinion.

Kirsty Elizabeth Brown said: “I don’t mind giving up some freedoms to contribute to saving the lives of others. If you’re already doing the right thing then it’s not much more effort.”

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Jenni Howard disagreed with the latest restrictions, saying: “No! It’s ridiculous you can go to a pub, but you can’t visit your family.”

“Anthony Ritchie opined: “Lockdowns simply are not working and will not work. At the same time decimating our economy and people’s lives.”

George Bathgate asked: “How can they keep the pubs and restaurants open, but you can’t visit another household? It would make sense if the hospitality was closed as well.”

Edna Lees wrote: “It’s the same old story. The people that follow the rules get penalised by doing what they are told to do. But you will never stop some folk just doing their own thing and treating the rules with contempt. I just feel so sorry for folk that live alone or are isolated.”

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Rachel Munro said: “100% no. I own my home, not the government. I decide who is allowed in and who isn’t. Funny how you can meet your family in a pub but not in your house. Is the virus not spreading in pubs? No, the rule is as such because your house is the only place they can’t monitor you. Ignore it people.”

Barry Macpherson wrote: “Yes. Transmission is happening more in households, so that's the obvious hit just now. Trying to save the economy by balancing it with keeping businesses open hoping it'll keep another even more catastrophic lockdown from happening. Worrying times.”

Richard Stevens said: “At this rate, there won’t be anything left to return to. Another six months will destroy lives and our economy – it’s economic suicide.”

Daniel Cranmer opined: “Ridiculous... it matters not a jot what time the pubs shut. Not being allowed to visit your family but you can go shopping indicates that the lunatics have taken over the asylum.”

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Ann Watt urged: “Just abide by the rules and maybe we will get out of this horrible situation.”

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