We can see light at the end of the tunnel
The last few months have certainly been different to any I’ve ever experienced before and I don’t think any of us thought a global pandemic was on the cards when ringing in 2020.
Moving into the next decade was an exciting time in the Adam household and you all know I thoroughly enjoy the New Year as an opportunity to take stock, reflect on the past year and then make plans for the year ahead.
Covid-19 was certainly not what I had in mind and it is very strange to think that we are now more than half way through the year when nearly four months have been spent largely in isolation away from family, friends and colleagues.
These have been incredibly challenging and strange times indeed but I think we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we move into the ‘new normal’.
While it is vitally important to note that the virus is by no means gone, the progress we have made so far has allowed us to move through the four phases of the route map and at the end of last week we transitioned into phase three.
Since publishing the route map in May, the Scottish Government have continually reviewed and assessed the scientific and medical data so as to ease Scotland through the phases as efficiently and safely as possible.
As the R number – the rate a virus spreads within the population – has remained low for weeks, the decision has been made to enter Phase 3 and continue with the reopening of a key range of industries and activities.
During phase three, the various changes that came into effect on Friday and the ones due to begin later this week will result in larger numbers of people moving around and coming together across a variety of settings and sectors – giving the virus more opportunities to spread.
With this comes the risk of outbreaks so staying safe and keeping others safe is as important as ever.
This is why, for example, face coverings are now mandatory on public transport and in shops.
And it is especially important to be considerate of those whose health conditions mean that they haven’t been able to enjoy the easing of restrictions that the rest of us are benefitting from.
To prevent further spread of the virus and continue to protect our communities and the NHS, we should all follow the FACTS: face coverings; avoid crowded places; clean hands regularly; two metre distance, and self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.
Doing this will allow us to enjoy some of the freedoms we have been able to over the past weekend and will keep us on the right path as we move to reopen further sectors this week.
I am sure the First Minister’s announcement on Thursday will have been wonderful news to many industries across Scotland, and will certainly be welcomed by everyone here in Paisley who has been experiencing the isolation and loneliness that has unfortunately gone hand in hand with the last few months of lockdown.
While I am looking forward to the reopening of indoor hospitality, hairdressers and barbers, and various leisure and entertainment venues such as museums, cinemas, and libraries on Wednesday, I am especially pleased to see places of worship reopening along with the easing of restrictions on who can attend funerals, weddings and civil partnership registrations.
I know the restrictions on funeral attendance has been something that has been particularly difficult for families and friends of those who have passed away during these unprecedented circumstances.
While the changes coming into effect later this week will not allow full-scale gatherings, I am hopeful they will allow more people to find solace and peace at a time of grief.
The relaxation on attendance at weddings and civil partnership registrations is also very welcome news as it is perhaps more important now than ever before that we celebrate the happy things in life and enjoy our families, friends and loved ones while we can.
The last few months have definitely been hard but they have also brought out the best in our society, from those working around the clock in our hospitals and emergency services to those becoming active within the community to help those who are shielding or in more vulnerable positions.
This is something I am very hopeful will continue to bring us closer together as friends and neighbours for decades to come.