We have a path out of the pandemic
In a year of tragedy and hardship for so many, it was fantastic news that, earlier this month, the first vaccine was approved for use in the UK and indeed that the first vaccinations took place last week.
Quite properly, an order of priority has been established for people to receive vaccinations, with older adults in a care home and care home workers first in line, followed by all those who are 80 years of age and over and health and social care workers, and then all those who are 75 years and over.
Thereafter, other groups will be prioritised according to age or vulnerability.
Naturally, we all want this process to be completed as quickly as possible, but the reality is that it will take some months and, no doubt, there will be unforeseen obstacles along the way. But we’re now firmly on the path out of this pandemic.
In the meantime, of course, we all remain subject to ongoing restrictions and, while the move this week from Level 4 to Level 3 locally is welcome, it
is still hard going for many businesses. That’s why I am continuing to liaise with Scottish Government Ministers and others to ensure that as much support as possible is secured for South Ayrshire, to help those businesses and the vital jobs they support.
Lastly, in this my final column of 2020, can I take this opportunity to wish all readers of the Ayrshire Post and their families a merry Christmas when it comes.
This will be a festive season like no other, held under restrictions that will preclude the gatherings that many of us so associate with this time of the year. It’s hard, I know.
But let’s all hope that the bells that ring in a New Year on December 31 are also ringing in a year that sees success in ending the pandemic that has so dominated our lives over the last ten months, an end to those restrictions, and a return to something closer to eventual normality.
Although I am not able to hold face to face meetings at present, I can be contacted on 01292 286251 or at: john. scott. msp@ parliament. scot