The scrapping of nearly all of Covid restrictions “marks the tip of a troublesome chapter” for native corporations, says a West Dunbartonshire enterprise chief.
The vaccine passport scheme got here to an finish at this time (Monday) whereas face masks will now not legally be required to be worn after March 21.
Companies, locations of worship and repair suppliers will now not be legally required to retain prospects’ contact particulars, or undertake different Scottish Authorities-advised measures, from the identical date.
Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement final week and mentioned she seemed ahead to “brighter days forward” and confirmed a transition to “focused” Covid testing.
She additionally unveiled a brand new technique for dealing with future outbreaks primarily based on threat ranges, which is able to see the Scottish Authorities rely “a lot much less” on restrictions.
Damon Scott, of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, mentioned the lifting of the restrictions “will give our economic system a big enhance, boosting confidence and permitting companies to recommence unencumbered commerce once more”.
He commented: “Companies have labored tirelessly all through the course of the pandemic to maintain their prospects and workers protected.
“It's subsequently excellent news that the Scottish Authorities has put their belief again in companies to handle the well being and security of office environments as Scotland adjusts to dwelling and dealing alongside the virus.
“We might warn towards complacency and name on all our companies to evaluate any dangers to guard their enterprise.
“The virus hasn’t gone away and it's within the pursuits of enterprise to maintain their workforce wholesome and dealing.”
Nonetheless, he added that companies shall be desperate to to know what restrictions could also be reimposed if one other variant poses a big risk and what the triggers are for this to occur.
The First Minister says testing will stay a “very important” a part of Scotland’s ongoing restoration from the pandemic, with a plan for a extra focused system set to be revealed later this month.
Within the meantime, she urged the general public to proceed to make common use of lateral movement assessments.
Her announcement adopted the Prime Minister confirming the scrapping of free mass testing from April.
West Dunbartonshire SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes hit out over the choice.
He mentioned: “Common testing stays a key software in combating the virus and it’s disappointing to see the UK authorities announce it's ending free lateral movement assessments, which impacts funding to the devolved nations.
“It impacts notably these dwelling in deprived areas who can't afford to pay for assessments, so I welcome the Scottish Authorities’s dedication to do every little thing potential to maintain free testing in place right here in Scotland for so long as it’s wanted.”
He added: “I imagine that while most individuals will welcome the lifting of remaining authorized Covid necessities, it’s necessary to recollect to stay vigilant as a result of Covid has not gone away.
“Significantly for many who are immunosuppressed or caring for weak family members, we should proceed to take smart precautions to maintain our communities protected from the virus.”