The first minister’s decision to extend face covering rules over the Easter holidays could deal “another bitter blow” to the Perth and Kinross hospitality industry, according to the region’s business chief.
Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement on Wednesday after the legal requirement to wear masks in shops, schools, hospitality venues and on public transport had been expected to be lifted this week.
Now they will remain in force until April 18 with the majority of school children returning to the classroom, from their two-week Easter break, in the following days.
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Vicki Unite says it deals “another bitter blow” to the local tourism and hospitality industry, and claims visitors from England and abroad may be more reluctant to travel to the region for a vacation.
She also hit out at the refusal to drop the face covering rules completely last month, stating “the rug was being pulled” from underneath the feet of the region’s businesses.
Following the latest face covering extension announcement Vicki said: “We have been here before so it’s no major surprise, but that does not lessen the disappointment.
“We are out of step with the rest of the UK so immediately that places doubts in the minds of people visiting Scotland from south of the border, as well as further afield.
“For tourism and hospitality – key industries in Perthshire – in particular, it’s another bitter blow and the stop-start process continues, just when we think we have a clear date for full resumption of business.
“Now we are looking at an Easter Monday date to bring about an end to the mandatory wearing of masks, but we will not hold our breath.
“Let’s hope there is no ironic twist in the tale too, given the significance of the date, because businesses have certainly completed unwarranted penance, and for some the prospect of resurrecting their ailing companies after Easter is now diminished even more.”
The requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship and while attending marriage and funeral services ended yesterday (April 4).
Nicola Sturgeon defended her decision saying it was due to there still being high levels of coronavirus infection in Scotland.
One in 11 people were estimated to have had COVID-19 in the week ending on March 20.
