How our readers have reacted to Edinburgh and the Lothians being placed in level three restrictions

As Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today that Edinburgh and the Lothians are to be placed in level three of the new Coronavirus system, we asked our readers to tell us how they felt about the news.
Map shows which local authority is in which level of new restrictionsMap shows which local authority is in which level of new restrictions
Map shows which local authority is in which level of new restrictions

Some believed that putting Edinburgh in level three was a thoughtless action from the government.

Steven Oliver commented that the tier three placement shows there is “no thought at all for those who live on their own and haven't been able to see family or friends since March.”

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He added: “Being lectured on "making sacrifices" is of no comfort to those who now potentially face spending the festive season alone, or to those who face losing their livelihoods thanks to never-ending restrictions.”

However, Nancy Craig welcomed the news as she said the tiers were: "Slightly better as you can meet more easily with family in hospitality venues for lunch as more will be open.”

Yet many readers were convinced Edinburgh should not been in the same tier as places such as Glasgow and Lanarkshire where the Covid-19 infection rate is higher.

James Melvin said the move was “totally political.”

"No way should Edinburgh be in the same tier as Glasgow”, he added.

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Colin Henderson agreed saying: “There is no way she would have put Edinburgh in tier 2 while Glasgow is in tier 3”

Lisa Cairns said it’s “beyond ridiculous” that Edinburgh has been put in the same tier as Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

However Fiona Orr disagreed, saying it was not ridiculous.

Responding to Ms Cairns comment, she said: “Not really - we are in a state of flux right now and the First Minister made it crystal clear that it is likely that Edinburgh will move to tier 2 if the suppression of the virus continues.”

Yet many readers were still confused at the decision to put Edinburgh in tier two given the lower transmission rates.

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Angela Mcdermott questioned the decision, saying, “Our case are low in comparison to other areas.

"Seems like we’re all lumped together.”

Kevin Home pointed out that East Lothian in particular has low rates and “it should have been [placed into tier] 2”.

In response to people complaining about Edinburgh’s position in tier three, Jane E. Fairnie said: “She [Nicola Sturgeon] said she hoped to move City of Edinburgh and East Lothian to level 2 very quickly.

"She also said they were being over cautious initially.”

Adding that it is now up to members of the public to follow the rules if they want to get to tier two by November 10 in the next review of the area tiers.

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She said: “It's now up to us all, follow the rules and we'll drop a level at the first review. It's in our hand.”

Agreed with Ms. Fairnie saying it’s a pain but the FM did hint the city of Edinburgh and East Lothian dropping to level 2 in a fortnight's time.

"So at there is a glimmer of light at the end of some of our tunnels,” he added.

Dave Mackay highlighted his confusion over where the line stops and ends with travel restrictions.

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He said: “Must stay in own area? Does that mean that today it's OK for Edinburgh residents to go to Musselburgh, as we're both in the Lothian Health Board area, but from Monday it's against the rules as we're in different Local Authority areas?”

John Newman said that he was concerned for how hospitality was being treated and said the guidelines for the industry in level three are “clear as mud.”

He said, according to the guidelines, that you can serve food indoors with time restrictions, but added there was “no clarity” on what those time limits are.

Shelly Allan Wilson disagreed with people’s negative attitude towards the FM, saying she is ‘doing the best she can.’

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She said: “Why are people complaining, and why are people so nasty towards our First Minister? She didn't cause this virus and she is doing the best she can to protect the people of Scotland and our NHS. I'd like to see those who are slagging her off do any better. Cases are rising, deaths are rising. Maybe if people followed the rules in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess so maybe instead of blaming the first minister for everything maybe ask yourself if you have followed the rules.”

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