Highland MSP praises community for face covering effort
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Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd has praised community groups, small businesses and individuals across the region for their efforts in producing face coverings for their local community.
After a review on lockdown restrictions last week, the First Minister announced changes in restrictions which will see Scotland transition into Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.
Amongst several changes due to take place, the Scottish Government has now made face coverings mandatory on public transport, which came into effect on Monday [22 June].
Following the announcement, Maree Todd MSP took to Facebook & Twitter to identify local small businesses, community groups and individuals in the region who are selling and donating face coverings.
Maree Todd MSP said: “I was delighted to hear from so many community groups, small businesses and individuals across the Highlands & Islands who are focusing efforts on producing face coverings to those in their local area.
“Face coverings bring a benefit in reducing transmission of the virus which is why they have now been made mandatory on public transport. The Scottish Government is also strongly advising the use of face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops. The First Minister confirmed yesterday [24 June] that a decision on whether this will become mandatory will be made next week.”
Donating all the materials and their time, the Mask Makers in Ullapool have produced over 300 face coverings in the last 8 weeks and have made a donation of over £900 to the Parish Hub.
Adding to community efforts, the Assynt Resilience Group organised by the Assynt Development Trust produced and distributed around 1,000 masks to the local community. The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and the Coigach Community Development Company have too made efforts in this, producing and issuing face coverings to those throughout their community.
As a means of generating lost income, Inverness-based artist Louise Innes has been selling her own designs on face masks through her Louise Innes Art Facebook page. Louise has also donated a total of £550 worth of masks to vulnerable community members and groups, including her local food bank.
Commenting, Ms Todd adds: “It’s incredible to hear of the power of work going into producing face coverings across the region. Those involved are real assets to their community and they have played a vital role in responding to the needs of their community during the health crisis.”
The Scottish Government has stated that medical and surgical masks are not necessary for wider public use, but instead a covering on the mouth and nose that is made out of cloth or other textiles will suffice.
There are exemptions for those unable to wear a face covering due to health reasons, and they should not be worn by children under the age of 5.
