Commons Sense

We have come to the end of our second week of the easing of lockdown restrictions and the second week of children back in classrooms across the Windsor constituency and the countr y.

I am sure this has been a much-needed source of relief for parents who can at last see the impact that the vaccine rollout is having.

Our schools have been safe to reopen because of our world-leading vaccine programme which and, at the time of writing, has reached almost half the adult population.

Although many wonder why schools should be open while shops and pubs remain closed, it is absolutely right that we open up step-by step based on the data and, for most of us, our children’s education and well-being is paramount and the opening of schools enables parents to work and businesses to function.

Naturally I share the frustrations of many consumers and business owners who question how it can be safe for children to return to classrooms while our high streets and restaurants remain shuttered, even though there was little hard evidence they made a large contribution to spreading the virus.

I share that sentiment, but my feeling is of positivity and optimism overall. It will only be a few more weeks before our economy will be unleashed to thrive again, and the various support schemes will remain in place until it does.

The good news is that the data on case numbers, hospitalisations, deaths and the effectiveness of vaccines indicates that we are on track to meet the lockdown unlock roadmap.

In 10 days on the March 29 people will again be free to meet outdoors.

Then on the April 12 outdoor hospitality will re-open along with non-essential retail, leisure and grooming facilities will also re-open too.

The road may feel long but we are firmly on the path to recovery.

And to help the nation reach this goal please get a jab when offered!