Masks and social distancing will be part of our life for some time yet
AS SCOTLAND’S vaccination programme reaches two million people, it’s understandable that we all start to allow ourselves to think about how we’ll begin to live our lives in the future.
With the number of positive cases steadily reducing and the first dose of vaccine delivered to 44 per cent of the adult population, we can certainly begin to alter restrictions and consider how we can live more freely in a manner which keeps the virus and the damage it causes at bay.
Getting to this stage has not been easy for any of us – thousands of lives have been lost, the economy has been hit hard and for many still suffering the effects of the virus, life may seem that it will never be the same again. I know many of my colleagues across health and social care feel exhausted, and there have been some dark moments. Of course, this is reflected across all our communities with the sacrifices that we’ve all made. But there is now hope. Vaccines have of course been crucial – providing light at the end of the tunnel just when it was needed. But the vaccination programme is just one of three key approaches to tackling the virus now and in the future – Scotland’s expanded testing programme and other measures to halt transmission are also vital and all these actions work to greatest effect when they work together.
Our testing programme developed rapidly from two centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow initially to a sophisticated network of regional hubs, mobile units, walk-through and drive-through facilities and fast-turnaround lateral flow tests which can be done almost anywhere and give results in 30 minutes. This has allowed us to respond quickly to outbreaks and break chains of transmission. And we’ve used the most sophisticated of new technologies that allow us to understand the genes of the virus, and to learn more about it and how it spreads.
For everyone in government, this has been a time of tough decisions – trying to find a balance between saving lives and protecting the NHS, preserving as much safe contact for people as possible and preventing an economic collapse.
As chief medical officer I have, along with other Scottish Government clinicians, had to offer opinions and advice to ministers which often have received a mixed reaction among the general public. Restricting care home visits, closing pubs and schools and limiting family gatherings were among the hardest decisions we have ever had to make but all were taken after hours of careful consideration, and examination of the evidence on transmission and behaviours of the virus.
The “R-number” – rarely mentioned outside niche public health circles
EXCLUSIVE
Writing for the Daily Record, Scotland’s chief medical officer says better times are coming thanks to the successful vaccination programme - but warns not all restrictions can be lifted soon previously – has become a part of daily conversation.
It is of course the way in which we can estimate the ability of a disease to spread. It is now below one, which means the virus is in retreat. This is where we want to keep it. How do we make that happen?
Over time, more vaccines will be developed and approved, meaning our future programmes can be driven by us and not by fluctuations in supply. It is likely that we’ll need vaccination booster programmes into the future to control Covid-19.
Testing will remain key to our gradual return to a new way of normal life – anyone with symptoms will continue to be urged to get tested and to self-isolate if their test is positive. Contact tracing will also continue to ensure anyone who has been close to someone confirmed as having the virus is also advised to selfisolate. We already do this now when we have outbreaks of illness like measles and we know this can control these outbreaks when they occur.
As for non-medical interventions such as masks and social distancing, it is likely they will be part of our way of life for some time yet in some settings.
I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends again.
I hope I’m still welcome in pubs and restaurants, because without them – without the chance to experience their unique atmosphere with those that matter – life hasn’t felt quite as full of joy.
I’m optimistic and encouraged that these are all within sight. Most of all, I’m grateful to every one of you for what you have contributed to bring us to this point.
A LAW student was stabbed to death and his mother slashed by an attacker trying to steal designer jackets from their home-run business.
Hussain Chaudhry, 18, collapsed clutching a neck wound outside the house in Walthamstow, East London, on Wednesday afternoon. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and both his mother and brother were treated in hospital for slash wounds to their hands.
Hussain’s uncle Reiss Chaudhry said: “He died protecting his mother from the robbers.
“He died in her lap. He was a great boy. We are all devastated.” Witnesses said Hussain was stabbed by an attacker posing as a customer.
One neighbour said there were two assailants, who fled with a bloodstained blade.
A murder investigation has been launched but no arrests had been made last night.