Dundee’s civic leaders today urged people to enjoy a safe Christmas at home after Coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions were tightened over the festive period.
In their pre-Christmas message, Lord Provost Iain Borthwick and Council leader John Alexander wished everyone in Dundee a merry and safe festive period.
They acknowledged that people across the city and beyond would be wanting to spend time with loved ones at this time of year, particularly after the challenges and sacrifices of 2020.
However, following the tightening of festive restrictions over the weekend, the senior councillors said everyone needs to think carefully about how travel or visits to other homes could give the virus opportunities to spread.
Planned easing of restrictions around Christmas will now be limited to Christmas Day itself. Travel within Scotland will be allowed on December 25 only, and Level 4 restrictions will apply from Boxing Day.
Lord Provost Borthwick said: “People in Dundee should be really proud of how they have responded to the challenges of 2020. It has been a tremendous effort by everyone to prevent the spread of the virus and support those in need.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, we will want to spend time with loved ones over the festive period. And, of course, we don’t want anyone to feel lonely or isolated.
“At the same time, we must all think carefully about what we plan to do over the festive period and act with caution.
“Just because you can form a ‘bubble’ and travel on Christmas Day doesn’t mean that people have to. To keep yourself and those you love safe, the best advice is to stay at home this Christmas.
“Throughout these past few months, the default has been to avoid unnecessary contact which can contribute to the spread of this deadly virus. That should still be the case.
“We’ve done so much to keep ourselves and each other safe. Care, compassion and kindness towards others have been the watchwords of the city’s response to Coronavirus – let’s keep that going at this time of love and peace.”
Councillor Alexander added: “I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and healthy festive period.
“And I want to thank each and every person in Dundee for the way you have responded to the unprecedented challenges of 2020. The sacrifices you have made have saved lives.
“While vaccines are being rolled out and the year ahead will I’m sure be much brighter in time, we’re not out of the woods yet. This new, highly contagious strain of the virus which has prompted changes to the festive guidance is a stark reminder of that.
“The safest way to spend Christmas Day is to stay within your own household, in your own home and your own local area.
“If you do choose to travel or meet others on December 25, please make sure you know and follow the latest guidance and take all necessary precautions including following FACTS – face coverings, avoid crowded places, clean your hands and surfaces, maintain two-metre distancing and self-isolate and get a test if you have symptoms.
“As of Boxing Day, Dundee and the rest of mainland Scotland will be under Level 4 restrictions. That means no family gatherings, no Hogmanay get-togethers. Hard though it is, we must stick by these rules to stop the virus spreading.
“And remember, whether you are an individual or a business, support and advice is available to help you get through these difficult times.”
To find out more, visit the festive period guidance webpage on the Council website.
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%.
