LAST week was tumultuous, as the Scottish Government announced its new ‘tiers’ restrictions, causing even more stress and anxiety for so many people.

In the middle of these huge changes, Glasgow City Council had its regular meeting of all 85 Councillors.

We discussed and debated so many issues, but the new restrictions; the continuing threat that coronavirus poses; and the best way to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our citizens, was the central theme.

In particular, my friend and colleague, and Labour’s new spokesperson for Health and Social Care in the city, Councillor Maggie McTernan took the administration to task about the health and safety of our carers. In particular, our home carers.

Our home carers who, despite putting themselves on the line for much of this pandemic, have not been receiving regular testing for coronavirus. Despite carers working in care homes getting tested every week, those who provide vital care to so many different vulnerable people in their homes have not thus far been afforded that security.

I am delighted that, following our meeting, and following pressure from trade unions, carers themselves, and from my colleague Cllr McTernan, the administration was able to announce that home carers will soon receive regular testing. Though we will continue to press on the detail, this is undoubtedly a victory for those carers.

But the question of those carers and workers we have spoken to is clear: they put their neck on the line in the middle of the most uncertain time we have ever known. When everyone else was told to stay at home, carers went out the door every day to look after the most vulnerable. They took that risk then. But, now, they’re wondering if Government is serious about putting its neck on the line for them.

It’s not too different from the question on everyone else’s lips over the last two weeks. Public confidence in the response to the virus continues to fray. Restrictions have dragged on for longer, become more complex, and the link between the evidence and the restrictions themselves has become less and less clear. Many are now doubting whether there’s a clear plan to keep us safe, protect our wellbeing and protect jobs and livelihoods.

Let me be clear: the virus is still a clear and present danger. It is still a risk to our lives, to our wellbeing and to our economy. Further restrictions to control the spread are completely necessary.

Now that Glasgow has been placed into Tier Three, we have to #Fight4Glasgow. It is tough, and it is frustrating. But the reality is that if we let the virus spread further, we will be living with the consequences for so much longer. If we act now, we can save jobs, businesses and livelihoods. The crisis has made so many demands of us all. As tough as it is, we have to stick to these restrictions now.

But our demand of Government is clear: we need a plan. Not just playing for time. Not a plan to suppress and adapt to the virus. We need a new route map out – back to normality. We need

the Government to put its neck on the line and its shoulder to the wheel.

Only then can we rebuild public faith and confidence in the weeks and months ahead.