People across Tayside and Fife have been urged not to undo the good work done in the lockdown by venturing out this Easter weekend.
Google mobility data has shown a change in people’s habits in order to curb the transmission of COVID-19.
Visits to retailers, grocers and pharamacies are all down by at least 79% across Tayside and Fife, while trips to parks, transit stations and workplaces were also markedly down on baseline figures.
That, coupled with the fact the number of people spending time in residential areas has gone up from 14% in Fife to as much as 27% in Perth, has led to praise about compliance.
However, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart has pleaded with residents not to be tempted out as the weather improves.
Scottish Conservative Deputy Chief Whip, Mr Stewart, said: “These instructions not to leave home without a reasonable excuse apply to everyone and people mustn’t make personal exemptions to suit their own circumstances.
“I have been greatly encouraged by the excellent levels of co-operation so far from everyone across the region and I know that Police Scotland have felt the same, however we all believe that this will be critical to successfully facing up to new demands and challenges that will undoubtedly arise in the weeks and months ahead.
“So I would like to remind everyone who I represent, that for your own safety and the safety of others; stay at home, protect the NHS and this will ultimately save lives.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman, who is concerned some people are still ignoring advice to stay indoors.
Police were forced to intervene earlier this week when barriers preventing vehicular access to Aberdour Silver Sands beach were removed by a member of the public.
Mr Chapman said: “I know it can be tempting, but I cannot stress enough the importance of staying at home and preventing the spread of this deadly virus.
“Heed government advice and act as if you already have COVID-19 and stay indoors, unless for essential journeys to the shops.
“You can of course take part in one bit of exercise a day, but if that involves getting in your car or walking a far distance from your home to another location then you should be asking yourself serious questions about whether that is necessary or not.
“Congregating in large groups in parks and at the beach is extremely dangerous and will only result in the virus being spread further.
“Ignoring advice means lockdown will last longer.”
Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, added: “The current situation is putting people under an enormous amount of pressure and changing the way we all live our lives.
“As this data shows people in Fife have made significant changes to their daily routines and they deserve an enormous amount of credit for that.
“Only by following the official guidance to stay at home can we protect the NHS and save lives.”
