What Scotland’s ‘Stay At Home’ Rules Means For Schools And Its Economy

The mainland of Scotland goes into lockdown early Tuesday amid a rising number of positive COVID-19 cases. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the order for the lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread around the country.

The full lockdown is expected to last for the rest of January and will have a major impact on schools and the economy.

Due to the threat of the new COVID variant B117, schools will switch to online learning, the Guardian reports. Sturgeon stated there was “compelling” evidence the new variant is around 70% more infectious.

However, she hopes to increase vaccinations at schools and nurseries to improve the chances of school reopenings. The decision on whether schools and nurseries will be reopened will be reviewed on Jan. 18, New York Post reports.

Although the First Prime Minister remains optimistic about how the approved vaccines can help end the pandemic, Sturgeon admitted she was worried about the increased infections due to the new Covid strain.

“Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year,” she told members of parliament.

Meanwhile, businesses in Scotland are concerned about how they will be impacted by the shutdown. Business leaders are hoping Sturgeon will consider allocating funds to assist those in need.

Liz Cameron, the chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, discussed the importance of the lockdown and the consequences businesses will face as a result.

“Today’s news is another blow to the private sector’s recovery from this pandemic,” she said.

“Whilst we fully appreciate the need for the Scottish government to act in response to the worrying rise in COVID cases, we cannot ignore the direct impact this will have on business and livelihoods.”

On Sunday, the number of positive COVID cases in Scotland hit an all-time high with 2,464 confirmed infections.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has seen her popularity surge as a result of her handling of the response to the coronavirus pandemic Photo: POOL / Jeff J Mitchell