By George Let’s embrace the new normal
For the past week, after the Scottish Government published their paper Covid-19: A Framework for Decision-Making, Stacey and I have spent a lot of time thinking about the future and what our ‘new normal’ will look like as we move forward.
For anyone who hasn’t read it, the paper examines our current position during this period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered in the near future when we gradually ease restrictions on dayto-day life.
This ‘new normal’ is an interesting one and I think we all must be prepared for restrictions on normal life to continue for some time – even when a degree of normality returns to our everyday lives.
Like many of you, I’m sure, Stacey and I are greatly reassured by clarity during times of difficulty and although there are no easy answers it is right for the Scottish Government to be clear about the factors that will inform decision-making going forward.
I can therefore only encourage everyone to take the time to read the document and then contribute their thoughts and views on the next steps we must make together.
While these measures are difficult for all of us, I think it’s also comforting to remember why we are being asked to follow them - they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.
That’s why it is vital that any decision to ease restrictions is based on the best scientific advice possible and while we are in uncharted territory, we must be prepared to adapt individually and as a community.
As I’ve said before, and I’m sure
I’ll say again, it is during times of difficulty that a community can truly come together and that is certainly what is happening here in our town as we adapt to this ongoing situation.
From the weekly clap for carers and NHS staff, to the wonderful work of volunteers and the genuine acts of kindness happening across out town right now.
I am very hopeful that we will come out of this pandemic with a stronger sense of community and a continued willingness to check in and help our neighbours whenever we can.
Although I am encouraging everyone to accept these changes and keep as positive as possible, it would be remiss of me to lead you to believe these changes are having no effect on me.
Stacey and I are greatly missing our families and while technology is a blessing right now for keeping us connected, video calls will never be as good as the real thing or replace a big hug from the grandkids.
Even working is just not the same as I’m realising how much meeting with my colleagues and fellow parliamentarians face-to- face is a massive part of the job for me.
MS teams has allowed us to keep working and it was great to see some familiar faces during the Health and Sport and Finance and Constitution committees last week, but I’m looking forward to the day we can all return to Holyrood safely.
Despite our desire to return to normal, saving lives and finding a long term solution needs to be the top priority.
Until treatments or a vaccine can provide that, I think we all need to be prepared for the ‘new normal’ to be our way of life for a while and trust that we will adapt and hopefully come out the other side with a fresh perspective on what is really important in life.