Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has warned against complacency after Aberdeenshire avoided being moved into tougher Covid restrictions.
The First Minister announced today that Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire would remain in Tier 2 of the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus local protection levels, despite a recommendation from officials to move both council areas to Tier 3.
There has been an increase in cases across the region, which included outbreaks at food processing plants, hospital wards and in schools.
Nicola Sturgeon said at Holyrood today that there would be further analysis of the data before any decision is made, which could happen before the next review on Tuesday 8.
Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid said:
"I am sure most people in Aberdeenshire will be relieved at this news today.
"Given the media reports last night and this morning, it was widely expected that we would be placed into the tougher level of restrictions today.
"However, looking at the underlying data on infection rates, we are certainly not out of the woods yet. Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City may yet be moved later this week or next week.
"Either way, this must act as a wake-up call for everyone in the area.
"We need to keep protecting each other by following the guidelines and remember to wash our hands, cover our faces and make space for one another. We cannot afford to be complacent.
"If cases continue to rise, we could well end up in a higher tier, which would be very challenging for the local economy as we approach the festive period and beyond."