People living in level three and four areas coronavirus restrictions have been urged to avoid all travel into Helensburgh and Lomond, which is under tier two.
MSP Jackie Baillie says has been contacted by a number of local people concerned about the impact that those who are coming to the area from other areas might have on Helensburgh’s ability to contain the virus.
All of Argyll and Bute is still in level two, though latest figures from Public Health Scotland show more than 120 cases in the ‘Garelochhead’ neighbourhood, which includes the Rosneath Peninsula.
These are for the seven days up to December 3 and it is thought that many of these are due to an outbreak at Faslane – in the rest of Argyll and Bute there were only 24 cases, and the majority of these were in the Helensburgh area.
Ms Baillie said that police had had to order some local hospitality businesses to close because there were so many visitors from level three and four areas to places such as Luss, meaning businesses have been unable to trade despite being legally able to.
Other people have reported visitors from Glasgow, Hamilton and as far away as Edinburgh trying to break lockdown rules to drink in local pubs and dine in local restaurants.
Ms Baillie said: “I completely understand how frustrating these restrictions are – particularly for those living under tier four as I do.
“However, I strongly encourage everyone to avoid making non-essential trips into Helensburgh from areas with a higher Covid-19 rate.
“The influx of visitors in some areas has resulted in local businesses being forced to halt trading and it will risk a spike in local cases if we are not careful.
“If the Scottish Government deem these restrictions to be necessary then it must also take full responsibility for ensuring that they are followed and enforced. That means more resources for the police and councils.
“These restrictions are not only in place to keep ourselves safe but to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“Case numbers are starting to reduce, the roll out of the vaccine is about to begin, but it may be a while before everyone is vaccinated so we need to stick to the rules until then.”
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