The Depute Leader of East Lothian Council and Police Scotland's Local Area Commander have highlighted the importance of everyone taking personal responsibility to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Like other areas of mainland Scotland, East Lothian has been in COVID-19 Protection Level 4 since Boxing Day.
Depute Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:
“Now that we are in Protection Level 4 it has never been more important that everyone in East Lothian ensures compliance with the current restrictions.
“I strongly urge people not to meet with anyone from outside of their household within their home.
“You must not travel into or out of the local authority area except for essential reasons. To be clear – this means people should not leave East Lothian, even to enter another Level 4 area, if their journey is unnecessary.
“The Scottish Government website sets out the exceptions to this and has other information on what you can and cannot do.
“Also, please remember to follow FACTS - which includes wearing face coverings where appropriate, avoiding crowds, washing hands regularly and using hand sanitisers in shops and public venues, observing physical distancing of two metres and seeking health advice if concerned about possible symptoms.
“It has been a very difficult period and festive seasonIt has been a very difficult period and festive season. The arrival of a vaccine indicates that there is light at the end of the tunnel but it is too early to drop our guard. Please do the right thing to help us move back to a less restrictive way of life as soon as possible.
“We are grateful to local people for their continued support throughout the pandemic.”
Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell, Local Area Commander for East Lothian, said:
"We recognise the significant sacrifices people have made this year but the Chief Constable has made it clear that we continue to ask people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing. Please follow the regulations and guidance, and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading."