Do you think the Lothians need to go into a more restrictive 'circuit breaker' lockdown?

As coronavirus cases are on the rise once again and “circuit breaker” lockdowns are being imposed in parts of the UK, the question has been raised on whether areas in Scotland should be taking more hard-line restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus.
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In the last 24 hours, the Lothians alone saw a rise of 239 cases as the country recorded a daily figure of 1,429 new cases, and 17 deaths.

So we thought we would ask you, our readers, to hear your thoughts about whether or not a circuit breaker lockdown should be introduced in the Lothians.

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Thomas Imrie said: “Protect the elderly and vulnerable, but I think the rest of us really need to keep going, not only for our mental well-being but also the economy is on a knife edge with hundreds of thousands of job losses on the horizon. The longer this goes on, the deeper it will go.”

Deserted Royal Mile in Edinburgh during lockdown picture: JPI MediaDeserted Royal Mile in Edinburgh during lockdown picture: JPI Media
Deserted Royal Mile in Edinburgh during lockdown picture: JPI Media

Lee-Ann McCabe agreed saying further restrictions will cause “absolute devastation” and local businesses are “already closing.”

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How would a 'circuit breaker' lockdown work for Scotland?

Grant Gilbie similarly suggested continue to protect those most vulnerable while continuing to relieve restrictions.

He said: “Shield those who need shielded and allow the rest to get on with there day to day lives.”

Most businesses would have to full shut once again if a circuit breaker was brought in picture: JPI MediaMost businesses would have to full shut once again if a circuit breaker was brought in picture: JPI Media
Most businesses would have to full shut once again if a circuit breaker was brought in picture: JPI Media
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Matt Donlan insisted if rules are followed then there is no need for a further lockdown.

He said: “Oh God no - but people need to start doing as they are asked.

"Wearing a mask and avoiding large groups is hardly akin to trench warfare and bombing raids.

"The sooner people respect the rules then the sooner we’ll be out of this mess.”

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Jenni Howard said areas showing the highest level of newly confirmed positive cases in Edinburgh are more concentrated with students.

Disagreeing with the idea of a circuit lockdown she said: “No. Just test students then send them home to study online.

"The worst areas in Edinburgh are huge university student areas. Get rid of that and then Edinburgh wouldn’t have high numbers.

"Our numbers were relatively low until students returned.”

Yes it’s a good idea

Yet others welcomed the idea of a circuit breaker lockdown saying the risk of transmission is still too high to start returning back to “normal life.”

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David McCoy said: “There are people wandering the streets with Covid and they don’t know they have it.

"It doesn’t affect them. They then pass it on to someone which the virus does effect and they end up on a ventilator in the ICU.

“Non-transmission will only work when we are apart, period.

“There’s no getting round it. We are one of the most richest countries in the world so don’t panic on the economy front.”

Ally Preston agreed to tighter restrictions saying: “Yes, because people can't be trusted to follow simple rules when asked, so this is the only way to make sure it doesn't get out of control.”

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Edinburgh reader William Henderson suggested a couple of options for the city including “lockdown again until a vaccine is created” or “lockdown completely for two weeks, everywhere, shops, public transport (including flights) the lot because no interaction means no spread.”

Ian Toghill agreed a circuit lockdown is essential in order to get the virus under control and warned others it is dangerous to everyone, not just the vulnerable.

"Everyone is at risk, just some more than others,” he said.

"Anyone can get it, anyone can die of it, or pass it on for someone else to die of it.

"Our governments, all of them, made lame efforts at a lockdown in the beginning and was the catalyst to what's happening now.

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“So, yes, we need to get this under control and if that means a proper lockdown then so be it.”

Reader Alan Scott said: “People aren't following the rules. Only 10 per cent of people asked to self isolate are actually doing it. Because people can't or won't follow rules I see no option other than full lockdown being inevitable.”

Others were on the fence, saying it seemed unfair enforcing the lockdown on everyone, but shared concerns about lifting restrictions for some and not others such as the elderly or those who are shielding.

Warning about travelling

The debate comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to think “very carefully” about travelling anywhere outside of their health boards as Covid-19 case numbers continue to surge to record levels.

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The warning came as Wales imposed strict rules banning those from high risk areas in England travelling into the country, something Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford was necessary to “prevent the spread of infection within Wales”.

The First Minister explicitly backed the the move from the Welsh Government and said repeatedly that she did not rule out similar measures in Scotland.

The Welsh move came after Northern Ireland announced a four week ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown for their country which will see schools close for a fortnight during October.

Ms Sturgeon also told Celtic and Rangers fans not to travel to England to watch the Old Firm game and specifically highlighted Blackpool which has been linked to 180 cases of Covid-19 in Scotland.

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Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing where she announced the deaths of 15 people from Covid-19 and nearly 1,500 new cases of the disease, the First Minister said travel to and from high risk areas in England and Scotland should only be done if it is essential.

She said: “My general advice for everyone at the moment across the country is to think very carefully about whether you need to travel at all and if you must travel, if your trip is necessary then travel carefully and safely."

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