Cautious start can pave way to hope
PHILIPPA WHITFORD SNP MP CENTRAL AYRSHIRE
2021 has been another difficult year and my thoughts and prayers as we approach a new year are with all the families who have lost someone, as well as those who are facing current difficulties.
Our NHS and Care staff, along with all emergency or key workers, have again worked tirelessly to support us through last year and I want to thank everyone who has cared for us, helped keep us safe, maintained food and energy supplies, and kept our schools and other public services functioning despite the challenges.
It’s now two years since the first case of Covid-19 was detected in Wuhan and, with 2022 ahead of us, we could have been forgiven for thinking that it would no longer be dominating our lives. Unfortunately, with the arrival of the new Omicron variant, we are once again having to limit our activities and interactions.
Although evidence thus far suggests it causes milder symptoms, with a huge surge in cases, even a tiny fraction needing hospital treatment could overwhelm the NHS, particularly as many staff are also likely to be isolating. It is, therefore, critical we all do our best to reduce viral spread by following the advice to reduce social interactions and getting our booster jags, or first and second doses if you haven’t yet.
As we enter the NewYear, we must remain cautious but we can also be optimistic as we know the vaccines are making a huge difference to the way we manage our response and we can now see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022.