An Aberdeenshire resident has said they will not be changing their behaviour after the new rules on self-isolation encourage an “unmitigated spread of Covid”.
The rules on self-isolation changed on Sunday May 1 and have been replaced with guidance that those suffering symptoms should stay at home.
People with suspected Covid no longer need to take a PCR test and contact tracing, the Protect Scotland app and testing sites have closed.
The announcement has raised concerns among more vulnerable members of society who are classed to be at a higher risk from Covid.
Jane Ormerod, chairwoman at Long Covid Scotland, has had Long Covid since March 2020.
Speaking on BBC’s Good Morning Scotland, Mrs Ormerod said she was “disappointed” with the government and recent changes.
‘Vulnerable people do not suddenly become less vulnerable’
She said: “We’re still at 1,000 deaths per week and we should not be allowing unmitigated spread of Covid. I do appreciate you know people have a personal responsibility with themselves but what about others?
“We’re all in it together and I’m mindful there are still vulnerable people and people who are vulnerable do not suddenly become less vulnerable.
“From the Long Covid point of view, 1.3 million people have long Covid in Scotland and that can only rise. Especially if we’ve got unmitigated virus spreading around.”
While the rules and regulations on self-isolation and social distancing have changed, Mrs Ormerod said her lifestyle will not.
“I haven’t been going out more at all,” she added. “My husband is vulnerable. He’s immunocompromised so both of us we stick to our routine. We both still wear masks in public places in shops, I don’t go to parties, I don’t go to gatherings, I don’t go to the theatre.
“That’s my own personal choice, and that will continue. I won’t be changing that behaviour.”
She added that much better communication was needed from the government, specifically for those who did not have social media or an online presence.
‘Sentenced to indefinite imprisonment’
Dr Sally Witcher, who has been classed as high risk, agreed with Mrs Ormerod and said the government needed to do more.
She said many had been left with no access to testing and support that is needed.
Dr Witcher told the radio programme: “Basically, we’ve been sentenced to indefinite imprisonment in our own homes for the crime of being at high risk but not in a way that the Scottish Government recognises.
“Most people will do the right thing, not everyone can afford to people sometimes have no choice they may be very ill but they have to work or they get no money.
“Why would I or anyone in my situation risk our lives on the basis that other people will do the right thing when it only takes one person not doing the right and that’s us basically done for.”
