Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say the future of local newspapers and the vital service we have provided for many years is under threat.

Please consider supporting The Gazette in whatever way you can - by paying just 90p for a copy of the newspaper when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

******************

A CHARITY worker has expressed fears for the health of Renfrewshire’s poorest residents after a new report suggested they are more likely to die of coronavirus.

Latest figures released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that, across the country, the number of Covid-19 fatalities is highest in deprived neighbourhoods.

It is thought the fact poorer areas are home to more people with underlying health conditions is partly to blame for higher levels of deaths.

Earlier this year, poverty levels in a Johnstone housing scheme were branded “shocking” after it was ranked as one of Scotland’s most deprived areas.

Renfrewshire has the third highest rate of coronavirus fatalities after Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire.

Susan McDonald, who supports people in Johnstone and elsewhere through her work with the Active Communities charity, said she is not surprised Covid-19 is hitting deprived communities harder.

She told The Gazette: “It highlights the real inequalities. The only way to tackle this is doing things with communities, not to them.

“Mental health and loneliness are the biggest problems we tackle. We’re trying to keep in touch with as many people as possible. There’s quite a lot of people who aren’t online and that’s also down to inequalities. They’re very difficult to reach out to.”

Ms McDonald believes further health problems will be seen in deprived communities as the Covid-19 crisis puts people off going to their GP with concerns such as cancer.

However, she added: “There’s a lot of great work going on across Renfrewshire. Organisations like Active Communities will be vital going forward.

“There are a lot of positives. There’s more kindness and compassion and people are realising this is really important.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it is committed to tackling poverty and inequalities, including the increased financial hardship many will now face as a result of Covid-19.

She added: “We are providing a range of benefits for people on low incomes and those who are struggling the most, which provide a higher level of support than the equivalent DWP benefits, and to a wider range of people.

“In addition, we have committed £350million of additional funding to support councils, charities and others helping people most at risk during the pandemic. This includes £50million allocated direct to local authorities and an additional £30million for councils to provide locally co-ordinated responses to food insecurity, including supporting children to access free school meals.

“We have also more than doubled the Scottish Welfare Fund with £45million, which is administered by councils.”

Renfrewshire Council said it is focused on supporting people to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

A spokesman added: “Our staff have been working tirelessly to care for those most vulnerable and to get meals and medicines to those most at-risk and to make sure they stay safe and healthy.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond