New Scottish COVID-19 Restrictions 07/10/2020

[Scotrail314209]

Not that I go to University in Scotland but I've just popped home for a few days from the Midlands to London. Nobody is going to know and if they do it bothers me very little, other than my friends who have also mostly gone home too for a few days. I've just had the virus so my parents are unconcerned, they are aware of the miniscule risks but would rather see me.

I do feel for the Scottish students though who do seem to be having a much harder time with their government and unis.

If I was staying in the dorms, I'd risk getting the virus to go home and see my parents after not seeing them for a matter of months already. It's a shame that the Government are giving such a hard time, but I can see uproar if they bar them from going home for the holidays.

 

[Journeyman]

How many people know someone who has had COVID? I certainly don't.

Until three weeks ago, I didn't know anyone who had had it either...now I've had it.

I've been really, really ill, and it's been an unpleasant and extremely scary experience. It's been enough to destroy my complacency - yes, a lot of people might not have many problems if they catch it, but I've been absolutely knocked sideways by it. Although most of my symptoms have gone, I'm currently completely exhausted and I have no idea how long it'll be before I'm fit again.

Don't get complacent about this - trust me, it's a big deal.

 

[greyman42]

Until three weeks ago, I didn't know anyone who had had it either...now I've had it.

I've been really, really ill, and it's been an unpleasant and extremely scary experience. It's been enough to destroy my complacency - yes, a lot of people might not have many problems if they catch it, but I've been absolutely knocked sideways by it. Although most of my symptoms have gone, I'm currently completely exhausted and I have no idea how long it'll be before I'm fit again.

Don't get complacent about this - trust me, it's a big deal.

For the vast majority you get none or only light symptoms.

 

[Journeyman]

For the vast majority you get none or only light symptoms.

I would have said that before. My experience was horrific, and I don't appreciate it being belittled.

 

[MikeWM]

Until three weeks ago, I didn't know anyone who had had it either...now I've had it.

I've been really, really ill, and it's been an unpleasant and extremely scary experience. It's been enough to destroy my complacency - yes, a lot of people might not have many problems if they catch it, but I've been absolutely knocked sideways by it. Although most of my symptoms have gone, I'm currently completely exhausted and I have no idea how long it'll be before I'm fit again.

Sorry to hear you got what sounds like a rather nasty case, and good to hear you're on the road to recovery now. Hope it doesn't take too long before you're back to normal.

Don't get complacent about this - trust me, it's a big deal.

I know from my mother's experience in February that it can be very unpleasant, and I know of at least one other person who was on a ventilator (who has happily since made a full recovery) and two other people in hospital (one recovered, one just went in recently).

I'd really rather not get it as for various medical reasons I think I'm probably more susceptible to a bad case than most people my age - that's assuming I haven't had a mild case already - but my perspective is that I don't really see how I can sensibly avoid being in contact with it at some point or other now that it is endemic to the population.

I suspect some people *are* complacent to some degree, but in my experience most so-called 'sceptics' are of the opinion is that there isn't much you can actually do to prevent exposure, even though it can be really rather nasty in a significant minority of cases, and very severe indeed in some.

Anyway, get well soon!

 

[Journeyman]

Sorry to hear you got what sounds like a rather nasty case, and good to hear you're on the road to recovery now. Hope it doesn't take too long before you're back to normal.



I know from my mother's experience in February that it can be very unpleasant, and I know of at least one other person who was on a ventilator (who has happily since made a full recovery) and two other people in hospital (one recovered, one just went in recently).

I'd really rather not get it as for various medical reasons I think I'm probably more susceptible to a bad case than most people my age - that's assuming I haven't had a mild case already - but my perspective is that I don't really see how I can sensibly avoid being in contact with it at some point or other now that it is endemic to the population.

I suspect some people *are* complacent to some degree, but in my experience most so-called 'sceptics' are of the opinion is that there isn't much you can actually do to prevent exposure, even though it can be really rather nasty in a significant minority of cases, and very severe indeed in some.

Anyway, get well soon!

Thanks. I'm a fitter than average 46 year old, and I wasn't particularly concerned about catching it, but it really made me realise how potentially bad this is, if it spirals out of control in the less healthy parts of the population.

I don't know how I managed to pick it up. I was following the rules and not doing anything that seemed irresponsible, and I still contracted it anyway. In future, I intend to be more careful, as I can't afford to go through this again. It's probably true you can't do much to avoid it, though - I think I've just been very unlucky.

 

[duncanp]

Thanks. I'm a fitter than average 46 year old, and I wasn't particularly concerned about catching it, but it really made me realise how potentially bad this is, if it spirals out of control in the less healthy parts of the population.

I don't know how I managed to pick it up. I was following the rules and not doing anything that seemed irresponsible, and I still contracted it anyway. In future, I intend to be more careful, as I can't afford to go through this again. It's probably true you can't do much to avoid it, though - I think I've just been very unlucky.

There have been cases of people in their 90s surviving the virus, as well as people in their 20s dying from it.

I suppose it depends on

• the amount of viral load you get when infected
• the strain of the virus you are infected with
• how good your immune system is at fighting the infection
• how early you are diagnosed

I do think though there is nothing you can do to completely eliminate the chances of being infected.

We should all take sensible precautions about minimising contact with others, but I don't think a complete lockdown is the answer. It is far better to have a series of restrictions that people can live with for a longer period of time.

 

[DB]

There have been cases of people in their 90s surviving the virus, as well as people in their 20s dying from it.

I suppose it depends on

• the amount of viral load you get when infected
• the strain of the virus you are infected with
• how good your immune system is at fighting the infection
• how early you are diagnosed

I do think though there is nothing you can do to completely eliminate the chances of being infected.

We should all take sensible precautions about minimising contact with others, but I don't think a complete lockdown is the answer. It is far better to have a series of restrictions that people can live with for a longer period of time.

And whehter you have any other health conditions which make you particularly susceptible to this virus.

 

[trebor79]

There have been cases of people in their 90s surviving the virus, as well as people in their 20s dying from it.

I suppose it depends on

• the amount of viral load you get when infected
• the strain of the virus you are infected with
• how good your immune system is at fighting the infection
• how early you are diagnosed

I do think though there is nothing you can do to completely eliminate the chances of being infected.

We should all take sensible precautions about minimising contact with others, but I don't think a complete lockdown is the answer. It is far better to have a series of restrictions that people can live with for a longer period of time.

When you're diagnosed will make zero difference to the disease pathway. It's a virus, you can't chew on some antibiotics and get rid of it before you become seriously ill, if you're one of those unlucky people who do get seriously ill with it.
Sweden have done exactly what you describe with respect to restrictions. Seems to be working.

 

[adrock1976]

A thing I have noticed from some of the daily briefings (or political party broadcasts depending how you perceive them to be) is that Jason Leitch always makes a lot of comments regarding Covid.

Leitch is actually not a qualified virologist, but is qualified in dentistry, of which he has mentioned very little regarding the reopening of dental practices and the resumption of dental treatment or check ups.

 

[kez19]

A thing I have noticed from some of the daily briefings (or political party broadcasts depending how you perceive them to be) is that Jason Leitch always makes a lot of comments regarding Covid.

Leitch is actually not a qualified virologist, but is qualified in dentistry, of which he has mentioned very little regarding the reopening of dental practices and the resumption of dental treatment or check ups.

I have wondered when dentists will ever reopen as close to as normal yet neither Governments seem to answer that! I’m over 6 months (possibly a lot longer) for a checkup the only saving grace I have is the dental hospital in couple weeks (orthodontist) but I’m going to see if they can at least check my teeth over (I know possibly pushing it but I rather do something)

 

[Scotrail12]

Just got a text saying that Lanarkshire is in Tier 3 (don't watch Sturgeon any more).

 

[Huntergreed]

Level 0: No Areas

Level 1: Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles

Level 2: Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Fife, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Angus

Level 3: Inverclyde, East and West Dumbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, South East and North Ayrshire, Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, Mid West and East Lothian, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Lanarkshire

Level 4: No Areas

To be reviewed weekly every and announced on Tuesdays

 

[Richard Scott]

Level 0: No Areas

Level 1: Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles

Level 2: Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Fife, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Angus

Level 3: Inverclyde, East and West Dumbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, South East and North Ayrshire, Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, Mid West and East Lothian, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Lanarkshire

Level 4: No Areas

To be reviewed weekly every and announced on Tuesdays

How much time does it take to do all this and who decides?

 

[Scotrail12]

Some people across from me in Starbucks (talking very loudly, could barely concentrate on my work because of them) were stating that they'd heard that another lockdown was imminent.

Hopefully this is just someone who can't keep their mouth shut as opposed to someone who is saying something accurate.

 

[Journeyman]

Some people across from me in Starbucks (talking very loudly, could barely concentrate on my work because of them) were stating that they'd heard that another lockdown was imminent.

Hopefully this is just someone who can't keep their mouth shut as opposed to someone who is saying something accurate.

I suspect they're regurgitating the speculation in the press at the moment. There seem to be a lot of people pressing for drastic action.

 

[Huntergreed]

I mean let's be entirely honest, without a change of strategy it is likely another full lockdown will happen. This is because none of the current measures (and the fact they are being ignored by many) are working to suppress the virus. Personally, I do not think suppression is the correct path to take (I believe in herd immunity whilst shielding the vulnerable and ensuring the hospitals are not overwhelmed at any stage), but sadly the government seem to believe suppression is the only acceptable strategy, which means given none of the current measures are working, it is likely to happen without a change of course. With France doing it already, and Wales and Ireland having done it, it really is only a matter of time unless things change with regards to our overall national strategy (which I think they need to)

 

[trebor79]

I mean let's be entirely honest, without a change of strategy it is likely another full lockdown will happen. This is because none of the current measures (and the fact they are being ignored by many) are working to suppress the virus. Personally, I do not think suppression is the correct path to take (I believe in herd immunity whilst shielding the vulnerable and ensuring the hospitals are not overwhelmed at any stage), but sadly the government seem to believe suppression is the only acceptable strategy, which means given none of the current measures are working, it is likely to happen without a change of course. With France doing it already, and Wales and Ireland having done it, it really is only a matter of time unless things change with regards to our overall national strategy (which I think they need to)

Actually a lockdown would be a change of strategy in itself.
There is early evidence that infection rates in the northeast are falling, and flattening in the north west and other areas.
I think if the government can resist the temptation to cave to the shouty lockdown enthusiasts for another week or two the demands will subside as it becomes clearer things aren't getting out of hand.
Also I think the government might be concerned that compliance with local measures isn't as high as they would like, and presumably would drop further if there were national measures in areas of relatively low infection.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

From Nicola Sturgeon's twitter feed: https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1322618517171089408?s=20

@scotgov will take considered decisions based on what is right for Scotland. A key point for us - which we hope to clarify ASAP - is whether extended furlough support is available only in November or flexibly for devolved admins. That could have an impact on our decisions.

So basically if they give us money we lock down again.

Edit: from one of the STV journalists' twitter feed: https://twitter.com/STVColin/status/1322622859135639553

The Treasury has confirmed that the furlough extension is UK wide, so will include Scotland.

 

[317 forever]

I’d be inclined to agree, but we all know how likely that is to happen. I think I’ve got more chance of getting to the moon this year.

Provided travel out of Scotland, even to the moon, is not banned.

 

[adrock1976]

Provided travel out of Scotland, even to the moon, is not banned.

It may be possible, depending upon how Richard Branson's space travel project is coming along as I believe there was talk of having a space station north of Inverness.

 

[GusB]

Actually a lockdown would be a change of strategy in itself.
There is early evidence that infection rates in the northeast are falling, and flattening in the north west and other areas.
I think if the government can resist the temptation to cave to the shouty lockdown enthusiasts for another week or two the demands will subside as it becomes clearer things aren't getting out of hand.
Also I think the government might be concerned that compliance with local measures isn't as high as they would like, and presumably would drop further if there were national measures in areas of relatively low infection.

Northeast and north west of where? This thread is about the Scottish covid restrictions.

 

[Butts]

Outrageous that Falkirk has been placed in Level Three.

Thinking of utilising my Bus Pass to go to Skye for the day on Thursday gratis

May have to travel sans key worker docs (if I can find the damn things)-in case of any jobsworths on Scottish Citylink.

The thought of a Lunch with Alcohol is most appealing.

 

[joncombe]

Looks like Sturegeon is looking to impose a lockdown in Scotland now that Furlough looks to be available again but she is apparently seeking "clarity" (politicians new favourite word) about where Furlough applies in Scotland again.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-54778576

I am not surprised. I didn't think Sturgeon would allow Scotland to be less restricted than England.

Also on the live page here
To quote

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will consider whether to impose another national lockdown in Scotland now the furlough scheme has been extended to provide support during England's new lockdown.

At her daily news conference, she said the Scottish government would ideally continue to assess the impact of current tier-system restrictions for a while longer.

But she said officials must decide whether to take the opportunity of more generous financial support to step harder on the brakes now.

I think I can see where this is going.

 

[Scotrail12]

Here's to mental health!

She can do one.

 

[kez19]

So what was the whole point of the new system just to go... aah f...k it let’s go lockdown since England has went... the mind boggles!

Regarding Furlough why can she not fund it? Hasn’t she got a money tree growing in Holyrood or at Bute House she could use? Or why not all these fat cat MPs/councillors take a pay cut?

Here's to mental health!

She can do one.

Maybe she needs to see what’s happening than be living in her social bubble for politicians

At a guess this is going to tank the Scottish economy but still deflect blame to Westminster, is it me but it does feel like a game going on here? It’s people’s lives/livelihoods at risk but the politicians won’t be touched.

 

[Scotrail12]

My father taught me and my sister when we were kids that "money doesn't grow on trees".

Clearly Wee Nippy (and her pal Devi Sridhar who is yapping on about furlough on Twitter) missed the memo on that one. Who is paying this back? Are the younger generations who she forced through the misery of lockdowns the people who then in future, have to pay for it??

 

[kez19]

My father taught me and my sister when we were kids that "money doesn't grow on trees".

Clearly Wee Nippy (and her pal Devi Sridhar who is yapping on about furlough on Twitter) missed the memo on that one. Who is paying this back? Are the younger generations who she forced through the misery of lockdowns the people who then in future, have to pay for it??

Nah it’s Westminster that’s paying for it, I thought the buck stops with Sturgeon? Sure it’s her responsibility not anyone else’s?

Looks like Sturegeon is looking to impose a lockdown in Scotland now that Furlough looks to be available again but she is apparently seeking "clarity" (politicians new favourite word) about where Furlough applies in Scotland again.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-54778576

I am not surprised. I didn't think Sturgeon would allow Scotland to be less restricted than England.

Also on the live page here
To quote



I think I can see where this is going.

It just makes a mockery so why not have stuck to a uk wide lockdown then to go off the rails to do a Scotland one? Money talks! I thought Scotland was doing better to a degree? Also if I remember correctly we were about a month later before getting anywhere after England, we were that slow to getting anything close to normal. The whole lockdown thing can bugger off in my book tired of it now

 

[Scotrail12]

Dan Wootton just called out Nicola Sturgeon on air for being desperate to use furlough money and have lockdowns when not needed in an interview with Kirsten Oswald. Of course, she has no real argument in return.

 

[scotrail158713]

Dan Wootton just called out Nicola Sturgeon on air for being desperate to use furlough money and have lockdowns when not needed in an interview with Kirsten Oswald. Of course, she has no real argument in return.

She didn’t claim she’d “get back to you on that”? That seems to be her line of choice when someone asks a question she can’t answer.
I have to say I’m pretty disappointed in what I’ve seen today. It was only a few days ago she seemed to be claiming that the early action taken up here meant we’d hopefully avoid a nationwide lockdown. Now it seems Westminster has some furlough money available, so lockdown is apparently a more viable option.