World Health Organisation tells Scotland ‘you are doing well’

A special envoy to the World Health Organisation has said he is impressed with how Scotland is handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr David Nabarro said Nicola Sturgeon’s prudent approach to easing lockdown restrictions was a good policy.

He said he admired the approach by the Scottish Government and the public health authorities.

Nabarro, the World Health Organisation’s special envoy for Covid-19, told the BBC: “Comparing Scotland with other parts of Europe, other parts of the world, I’d say you’re doing good because you are tackling it carefully and logically.

‘There are some countries which are saying it’s either the economy or people’s health and they are presenting it as a choice. It’s not a choice.’
Dr David Nabarro, director general of WHO

“You are thinking through how do we make sure people are safe and how do we make sure the economy can restart? And you are layering these two together.

“There are some countries which are saying it’s either the economy or people’s health and they are presenting it as a choice. It’s not a choice.

“You are watching, learning, applying, coming to terms with it. And most importantly you are levelling with the people what the government is trying to work through.”

His comments come after Sturgeon said people living in Scotland should listen to her advice despite the Prime Minister loosening the coronavirus lockdown south of the border.

The First Minister said Boris Johnson’s address to the nation was aimed at England and Scots should continue to “stay at home” – with the exception of being allowed out more often for exercise.

This article was amended on May 18, 2020 to clarify Dr Nabarro’s role with the World Health Organisation