Spikes across Scotland show we must not drop our guard

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott is the Divisional Commander for Edinburgh

My recent Capital Cops columns have rightly praised the Edinburgh public for their continued support and compliance with Covid-19 regulations, contributing significantly to the national easing of restrictions and a move towards a “new normality”.

I want to take this opportunity to once again thank our communities for maintaining physical distancing, limiting their contact with people outside their households and wearing face coverings within shops and other commercial premises.

There have been a number of recent spikes in coronavirus cases throughout Scotland and while the Capital has not yet seen a significant rise, these serve as a very real reminder that this virus is still out there and continues to present a genuine risk to public health.

I’d like to urge everyone who lives, works and visits the city to keep up their outstanding efforts in suppressing coronavirus by following the guidelines and isolating if experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19. Remember, if you do exhibit any symptoms, please get tested as soon as possible in order to allow appropriate contact tracing.

On the subject of visitors to Edinburgh, we should currently be within the busiest period of the Edinburgh International Festival but, as disappointing as it is to have had to cancel this world-class event due to coronavirus, the summer months continue to see people coming to the Capital in fairly large numbers, particularly those opting for “staycations”, rather than taking a holiday abroad.

Therefore, we continue to have high-visibility patrols within the city-centre to engage with the public, deter criminal activity and address any issues that arise. Similarly, we are keeping up our engagement with licensed premises to ensure licensing conditions are being adhered to and that public safety is being prioritised.

The importance of community policing cannot be understated and although I have had to recently review and carefully consider our resource model following the change to funding arrangements highlighted in a previous column, I am pleased to say we will still provide a high-quality service through new Community Policing teams located across Edinburgh, who will continue to work closely with our partners in addressing local issues and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

Policing the Capital is a perpetual cycle and you’ll not be surprised to hear that planning is already under way with our partners for Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night and, of course, Christmas and Hogmanay. These ‘events’ will undoubtedly and necessarily have a different look and feel about them due to the effects of the pandemic – exactly what, it’s difficult to say at this stage but if we all keep our Covid personal discipline, we’ll hopefully have some good things to look forward to.

Lastly, we will shortly be issuing our first quarter management information data for the period April to June 2020. Once released, I will be sitting down as always with the Evening News to discuss the figures and our response.

Stay safe everyone.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott is the Divisional Commander for Edinburgh

Spikes across Scotland show we must not drop our guard– Chief Supt Sean Scott