Baby steps forward is best we can hope for

One of the most difficult aspects of lockdown has been the enforced breaking of close family bonds and the stress and anxiety that not being able to reach out to nearest and dearest brings.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the issue at the outset of restrictions being imposed, saying she recognised that measures which would keep grandparents away from their grandchildren would take a significant toll.

It was a subject she returned to yesterday with a heavy heart.

Within the coming days, the easing back of restrictions will mean that grandparents and grandchildren who live within close proximity of one another may be reunited.

But that temporary reunion and subsequent meetings will have to take place outdoors and without any physical contact – a very difficult ask for all involved.

Given the heightened risk to the elderly from Covid, the truth is there is simply no immediate prospect of grandparents being able to resume the vital childminding duties many had previously undertaken.

So while there is progress, it is only of sorts, and is still a long way from normal social contact enjoyed withinfamily units.

That disconnect is even more acute for those in care homes, the many thousands who are shielding across Scotland right now and for those who have a physical debility which prevents them from leaving their accommodation.

The Covid-19 crisis has hit care facilities particularly hard in Scotland, with more than 40% of all coronavirus -related deaths in Tayside and Fife having occurred in such settings.

Despite the sterling efforts of carers, the isolation felt by residents – especially those who cannot manage digital solutions to see a friendly face – is greater than most.

One step along the road to easing the plight of care residents is a proposal contained within the government’s roadmap out of lockdown to facilitate social calls by designated visitors.

That, again, would be small but important progress. But until a vaccine provides surety, there can only be baby steps forward, not giant leaps.

The painful reality is the virus is still in charge.