A GLASGOW MSP has written an open letter to give further Police guidance for autistic people and their families during lockdown.
Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, and Councillor John Letford wrote to Police Scotland to clarify the flexibility around lockdown restrictions for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
The letter was shared with groups including Differabled Scotland and Royston Youth Action and included analysis of over 600 responses to Inclusion Scotland’s Research Survey on Covid-19, highlighting that stress, fear and anxiety are pervasive for disabled people who are shielding, self-isolating and trying to follow social distancing measures due to Covid-19.
Police Scotland said: "You can leave your home for medical need.
"If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area - then you can do so.
"This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day - ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.
"Even in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those exercising, travel outside of the home should be limited, as close to your local area as possible, and you should remain at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer, at all times."
The letter comes after a report in the Glasgow Times last week which found some autistic people and their families were being stopped by Police on daily outings, despite new amendments being made to lockdown guidance for such people.
Mr Doris said: "We were pleased to see The Scottish Government issue clear guidance on the issues faced by such families; and demonstrating flexibility and common sense.
"It was also encouraging to hear that Police Scotland are also well versed on this.
"We have written to various local groups to draw this guidance to their attention."
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