COUNCIL leader Tony Buchanan is urging East Renfrewshire residents to “stick to the rules” to stop the spread of Covid-19. 

Ahead of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement today on where the area will sit in the new five-level approach to tackling coronavirus, Mr Buchanan asked people to make a “collective effort” to avoid tougher restrictions. 

“People across East Renfrewshire have worked in partnership with us to tackle this terrible virus but in recent weeks the number of cases locally has been rising,” he said. 

“We continue to need your help to ensure everyone keeps to the rules. If we all do our bit, the number of people becoming ill will fall and we will not be put under even tougher restrictions than those we face currently.” 

At a council meeting last night, he appealed to East Renfrewshire residents to “stick to the rules, help stop the spread of the virus, help save lives and stay safe”. 

Mr Buchanan said: “Tomorrow we will learn what level of protective measures East Renfrewshire will face from Monday as part of the Scottish Government’s five-level approach to tackling the spread of Coronavirus. 

“I and other council leaders have been consulting with ministers and senior officials in recent days as these plans have been finalised. 

“After the First Minister’s announcement, details of what level we are in will be publicised on the council’s social media channels, along with links to information on what this will mean to us here. 

“I urge everyone in East Renfrewshire to make sure they know what the rules are and to stick to those rules. 

“If we don’t make this collective effort, we will face tougher restrictions which will impact individuals, families and businesses.” 

The new tiered system will be in place from Monday and Ms Sturgeon has said level three is broadly what is currently in place across the central belt. 

Level four is closer to the lockdown experienced at the height of the pandemic earlier this year.