Shoppers were out in force yesterday for the first full weekend opening since lockdown restrictions were eased.
Scotland’s high streets and malls were packed, with business brisk. Large numbers were reported in main thoroughfares, as well as at shopping centres, with queues reported in several locations.
Under the Scottish Government’s road map out of lockdown, restrictions should be further eased on May 17 to allow more indoor and outdoor mixing and opening of more venues such as cinemas.
David Lyon, marketing manager for Braehead Shopping Centre, near Glasgow, said: “Footfall numbers have been very strong. However, we continue to be vigilant with safety measures, including social distancing and hand sanitisers throughout the centre.”
Figures released yesterday for the previous 24 hours showed 175 new coronavirus cases and one death.
Yesterday it was reported that pandemic modellers believe infection rates will continue to fall, with Scotland practically free of Covid-19 within the next fortnight.
But a note of caution came from Professor Sir Mark Wolport, of the UK Government’s Sage scientific advisory group, who warned Covid cases could “reignite” as many people remain unvaccinated.
He called for the public to be patient, saying: “The mistake that has been made repeatedly in the past is relaxing too early.”
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