Test, Trace, Isolate is key to lifting lockdown internally in islands, says MP

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has long advocated the need for widespread testing in the islands which would provide a clearer understanding on the spread of Covid-19.
Image by Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesImage by Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Image by Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Mr MacNeil has already received the backing of Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh.

Mr MacNeil is calling for testing, tracing and isolating to start in the islands now which could allow the islands to come out of lockdown internally whilst still keeping restrictions on those coming into the area.

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Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said: “Without greater knowledge about the spread of this virus, we will have to remain in lockdown.

“The islands now have the capability to do the test locally and we have also received the offer of further support from our neighbours in the Faroe Islands, who have offered to do Covid19 testing for us if need be and if requested.

“The absolute priority must be the health and well-being of our population and by starting to test, trace and isolate in the islands now we could establish how this virus is spreading.

“This would allow us to monitor the virus closely and lead to removing the islands from lockdown safely.

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“Businesses are suffering and if islanders were able to return to some kind of normality, this would be a great boost to our economy.

“Grandparents are desperate to see their grandchildren; children want to play with their pals and friends want to be reunited.

“The number of positive cases of Covid-19 in our islands appears to be low and whilst we must not become complacent, we have an opportunity here to internally lift the lockdown - but without testing, tracing and isolating we cannot move forward.”