Today, the First Minister has announced that West Dunbartonshire – along with ten other local authority areas – will move to tier four of COVID-19 restrictions from Friday (20 Nov) at 6pm. These restrictions will be in for three weeks and will be lifted on 11 December.

A full breakdown of restrictions can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/

Argyll and Bute will remain in tier two of COVID-19 restrictions.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“I know that this move to tier four will come as a great shock for many local people in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven and will be a cause for distress and concern.

“We have all sacrificed so much this year and our frontline workers have now been working around the clock in unimaginable circumstances for over eight months now.

“I recognise that these restrictions are hugely disruptive and I recognise the severe impact this has on businesses in our area, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sector.

“I have raised the need for extended financial support for the many business owners, workers and organisations that will be negatively affected by these heightened restrictions.

“I encourage all local people to follow all the advice and restrictions that are in place. Together we can reduce the number of daily cases and deaths, ease the pressure on our cherished health service, and beat this virus.”

Commenting on the restrictions in Argyll & Bute, Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“Whilst Helensburgh and Lomond remain in tier two, there have been numerous visitors to the area from Glasgow and beyond. There have also been recent covid outbreaks in the area, some of which may have been caused by visitors.

“The Scottish Government intend to make a travel ban a matter of law but I am concerned about whether it is enforceable. The police have a huge job to do already and I am not sure what practical measures they can take to dissuade people from travelling across boundaries.”