Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said warnings that communities in his region may be put at risk if guidance related to travel into the Highlands and Islands is relaxed too early are concerning.
Mr Halcro Johnston was responding to a study by the University of St Andrews which indicated death rates from Covid-19 could be between 50% and 80% higher in rural communities and remote small towns.
The Conservative MSP said: “The Highlands and Islands have, on the most part, seen lower infection rates compared with the rest of the country.
“We want to keep it that way as far as possible, and this report suggests that we will have to be very cautious before our communities are fully opened up again.
“That is clearly a major concern for a region like ours for which tourism is so important, and in which so many individuals and businesses rely on visitors coming to enjoy our scenery and culture.
“However, it is vital that, while the lockdown is in force, no one should be travelling for any other than essential reasons. And when restrictions are removed, that full consideration is given to how that might allow spread of coronavirus and impact on our communities.
“The very last thing we want to see is a late spike in the infection rate in our part of the country.”
