News that East Lothian will progress to COVID-19 Protection Level 1 from 5 June has been welcomed by the Depute Council Leader.
Councillor Norman Hampshire said:
“We are pleased that East Lothian will be among the local council areas to move to Level 1 from 5 June.
“It does reflect the fact, as the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out, progress in the fight against COVID-19 is being made.
“It has been an incredibly difficult 15 months for many people in East Lothian, as well as the local business community, and so moving to an even less restrictive way of life is important for the social and economic fabric of our county.
“While this news is very welcome, it is important to recognise that, while there are fewer people in hospital than at earlier stages of the pandemic, the number of people catching the virus has been fluctuating.
“We know that, for the time being, some council areas will be remaining in Level 2 or, in the case of Glasgow, are just entering Level 2.
“The virus will be with us in some shape or form for a considerable time to come and continues to pose a risk.
“We hope restrictions will be eased further in due course but we do not want to undo the progress which has been made.
“That’s why we all need to continue following national advice, including on physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings where required, and get tested even if you feel fine – almost 1 in 3 people with the virus don’t realise they have it and could be passing it on, especially to younger people who have not yet had the vaccine. Mobile testing units, as well as our test facility in Musselburgh for people with no symptoms, continues to operate.”
More information about protection levels, and what you can and cannot do at Level 1, is available on the Scottish Government website.
Following news of a recent increase in cases in the local area, a mobile testing unit will be returning to Dunbar from tomorrow Wednesday, 2 June – two days earlier than planned.
The mobile unit will be sited in the car park at Dunbar Leisure Pool and will be open from 10am to 6pm daily up to and including Sunday, 7 June.
It’s possible to have the virus without knowing – so people can get tested here to help stop the spread, even if they’ve received their vaccination. You can get tested more than once.
Another option if you have no symptoms is get home test kits delivered to your home. Free packs of home test kits can be ordered online.