The scrapping of the majority of Covid restrictions “marks the end of a difficult chapter” for local firms, says a West Dunbartonshire business leader.
The vaccine passport scheme came to an end today (Monday) while face masks will no longer legally be required to be worn after March 21.
Businesses, places of worship and service providers will no longer be legally required to retain customers’ contact details, or adopt other Scottish Government-advised measures, from the same date.
Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement last week and said she looked forward to “brighter days ahead” and confirmed a transition to “targeted” Covid testing.
She also unveiled a new strategy for coping with future outbreaks based on risk levels, which will see the Scottish Government rely “much less” on restrictions.
Damon Scott, of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said the lifting of the restrictions “will give our economy a significant boost, boosting confidence and allowing businesses to recommence unencumbered trade again”.
He commented: “Businesses have worked tirelessly throughout the course of the pandemic to keep their customers and employees safe.
“It is therefore good news that the Scottish Government has put their trust back in businesses to manage the health and safety of workplace environments as Scotland adjusts to living and working alongside the virus.
“We would warn against complacency and call on all our businesses to assess any risks to protect their business.
“The virus hasn’t gone away and it is in the interests of business to keep their workforce healthy and working.”
However, he added that businesses will be eager to to know what restrictions may be reimposed if another variant poses a significant threat and what the triggers are for this to happen.
The First Minister says testing will remain a “vital” part of Scotland’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic, with a plan for a more targeted system set to be published later this month.
In the meantime, she urged the public to continue to make regular use of lateral flow tests.
Her announcement followed the Prime Minister confirming the scrapping of free mass testing from April.
West Dunbartonshire SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes hit out over the decision.
He said: “Regular testing remains a key tool in combating the virus and it’s disappointing to see the UK government announce it is ending free lateral flow tests, which affects funding to the devolved nations.
“It impacts particularly those living in disadvantaged areas who cannot afford to pay for tests, so I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to do everything possible to keep free testing in place here in Scotland for as long as it’s needed.”
He added: “I believe that whilst most people will welcome the lifting of remaining legal Covid requirements, it’s important to remember to remain vigilant because Covid has not gone away.
“Particularly for those who are immunosuppressed or caring for vulnerable loved ones, we must continue to take sensible precautions to keep our communities safe from the virus.”
