Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP have welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Borders will move into Covid-19 Level 1 as of Saturday.
At 00.01 on Saturday 5th June, the area will move down a level, with the prevalence of the virus remaining low since the lifting of restrictions back in April.
The limits on meetings in indoor public places increase to 8 people from 3 households; and outdoors to 12 people from 12 households.
For events, 100 people as opposed to 50 can attend weddings and funerals.
Both Borders parliamentarians also welcomed the announcement that soft play centres can reopen. Soft play centres have been closed in Scotland until now, despite being allowed to open in England.
Mrs Hamilton and Mr Lamont believe in order to accelerate the easing of restrictions, there is a need to press ahead with the rollout of vaccinations for under 30s.
Rachael Hamilton said:
“For months now, people in the Borders have worked hard to stick to the rules and the case numbers have remained low for several weeks.
“This is a positive step in the right direction, and thanks to the successful rollout of the UK vaccination programme, we have seen unprecedented levels of uptake of the vaccine.
“What we need now is for all remaining adults to receive their jab as soon as possible, as Scotland is lagging behind the rest of the UK.
“I am glad that soft play centres will reopen, as for too long these vital businesses have been closed.
“I joined campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament last year to demand that better support was put in place; I am delighted they can now reopen.
“We also need now is clarity over restrictions, as businesses need the confidence that further easing will take place in the coming weeks”.
John Lamont MP said:
“I am delighted to see the Borders remain in a good place and move to level 1. This is despite the rises we have seen in places like Edinburgh and Glasgow over the last few weeks.
“This is really welcome news for soft play businesses who can finally reopen their doors. They have only been allowed to reopen for just a few weeks since the beginning of restrictions almost 15 months ago.
“It will also be very exciting news for couples looking to get married and who can now hold weddings of up to 100 people. No doubt this will be a relief for the wedding industry who have been hit very hard.”
