A GROUP of more than 80 disabled people, unpaid carers and equalities representatives have written an open letter to the First Minister amid fears over the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The coalition sent the letter to Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf as the UK Government set out its proposals for the public to “live with Covid” by abandoning measures like masks, social distancing and limits on mass gatherings.

Covid-19 cases are currently high across the UK, with a number of Scottish health boards among the worst-hit in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation.

The First Minister yesterday ruled out following England’s plans to axe restrictions from July 19, warning that now is the time for caution as the vaccination programme continues to do its important work.

Sturgeon ruled out an “abrupt” end to all measures and said measures like mask-wearing may continue for some time yet. Currently Scotland is scheduled to move to level 0 from July 19 and axe most restrictions the following month, but the First Minister will update Scots on the path ahead on Tuesday.

The coalition of disabled people, carers and equalities groups told the First Minister and Health Secretary that they should consider the needs of those at high-risk of Covid-19 as Scotland continues on its roadmap to ending restrictions.

The signatories say that the human rights of disabled people, those with long-term health conditions and unpaid carers are being overlooked and even forced back into shielding to protect their health.

They fear a response to the Delta-variant-fuelled case increase has been too slow, and called for clarity and consistency.

Tressa Burke of the Glasgow Disability Alliance said families are “concerned and frightened”.

“Amazing progress has been made and our Scottish response has been more cautious and robust - making us feel safer whist England has raced ahead and taken more risks,” she said.

“Glasgow Disability Alliance has lost a significant number of members who have died due to Covid and we therefore urge the pace of change to be based on evidence and to prioritise the lives of those most at risk which includes not only shielders but people at high risk as well as Carers on whom disabled people depend.”

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Unpaid carer Lynn Williams added a call for clarity, writing: “Given only a few weeks ago, we locked down Glasgow in level 3 for more than 150 cases per 100,000, we have to question why we are not doing the same now when we have consistently high rates across the country? 

“We have to question why sport has been prioritised over the opening up of key support services.  So many families and individuals feel that the sacrifices made over this last year are now made worthless that our lives have less value.”

The UK Government’s approach to dropping coronavirus regulations “is something of an exception”, Sturgeon said yesterday as she stressed she and her ministers will have to “think carefully about what steps we do take at this juncture”.

Sturgeon told a Scottish Government coronavirus briefing on Thursday that current high case numbers are concerning, but there is a “suggestion that the recent surge in cases may be to some extent levelling off”.