TRADE group UK Hospitality Scotland is urging the Scottish Government not to further delay the easing of restrictions in Scotland as the prime minister looks set to pause the easing in England.
Coronavirus restrictions in England were originally due to be relaxed from 21st June, with measures such as social distancing no longer required. However, due to the prevalence of the ‘Delta’ variant, Johnson is expected to delay that easing by at least four weeks. An announcement is scheduled for later today (14th June).
The Scottish Government’s provisional plan for easing lockdown restrictions had been for Scotland to move to level zero “by the end of June”.
The first minister is due to review the coronavirus protection levels across Scotland on 21st June, with any changes taking effect from the 28th.
Leon Thompson, executive director of UK Hospitality Scotland, said it is “vital that the Scottish Government understands how important it is to achieve level zero by the date of 28th June”.
“Progress to remove restrictions will help hospitality businesses continue to move to improved trading and back towards viability,” said Thompson.
“Hospitality businesses may look busy, but most continue to trade at a loss adding to the debt burden built up over 15 months of closure and restricted opening.
“This week the first minister must provide a clear and certain message that Scotland is still on track to reach level zero by 28th June.
“This will provide confidence to a sector that has borne the economic brunt of the pandemic.”
