Dundee’s Council leader urged residents and businesses to have “a careful Christmas” and help combat the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
New guidance has been set out by the Scottish Government amid concern over the rapid spread of Omicron, which is on track to soon become the dominant strain of Coronavirus.
It includes advice to people to reduce the amount of contact they have with other households in the run-up to and after December 25. Those socialising with others at home or inside a public place are asked to limit the gathering to three households and take a test first.
There will also be a new legal requirement on those running businesses or providing services to take steps to minimise the risk of virus transmission, such as controlling the flow of customers in shops and crowded areas in hospitality venues.
Councillor Alexander said: “The Covid-19 trends in Dundee have generally been quite positive of late, with the city currently having the lowest number of cases by population of any council area in mainland Scotland.
“That’s testament to the caution that people are exercising. However, we also know how quickly things can change if that caution slips, especially at a time of year when we’re more likely to be socialising with others and with Omicron spreading fast.
“The things we are doing every day, the measures we are taking, help keep our friends and family safe. What’s more in the spirit of Christmas than looking out for those we love?
“The First Minister has stated clearly that Christmas is not cancelled. What we are asking is that everyone has a careful Christmas and follows all the guidance and hygiene measures.”
That guidance includes working from home wherever possible, and testing regularly if you have to attend a workplace. The First Minister has also highlighted the importance of considering deferring events such as staff parties following advice from Public Health Scotland.
Testing should be carried out before socialising. Indoor gatherings should also be in well-ventilated areas, with surfaces cleaned regularly.
This is on top of the basic hygiene measures, including wearing a face covering in public places and washing hands regularly. Anyone showing symptoms or a positive Lateral Flow result should self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test.
Councillor Alexander continued: “At this time of year, it might be tempting to avoid getting tested or following the self-isolation rules, which now include 10 days for all household contacts of a positive test.
“Frustrating though it might be to miss out on planned gatherings, now is not the time to be taking risks with others’ health. There is also a wide range of support available to help anyone who is self-isolating.
“And of course the most important thing we can all do is to get fully vaccinated, including booking your booster dose. You can find full details about this on the Council website.
“I share everyone’s frustration and disappointment that, with the festive season fast approaching, we are again facing restrictions on our lives as a result of Covid-19.
“However, thanks to the vaccination campaign they are nothing like the restrictions we have faced in the past. With care, we can still enjoy a lovely, safe Christmas and a New Year which heralds better times in 2022.”
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
