Virus is still around so let’s stay vigilant
AFTER months of “softly, softly” steps on lockdown, the First Minister has taken a huge leap forward in reopening Wales.
From Monday, non-essential business will be able to return provided that social distances measures are being met. The following week will see children begin to go back to school and the week after, all being well, the five-mile rule may be lifted.
The announcing of measures well in advance is a real change of pace from Mark Drakeford, who has consistently said three weeks are needed to be sure if any changes to the lockdown have caused a spike in cases.
The relaxation is down to people in Wales sticking to the rules, even when these were detrimental to their own wellbeing and bank accounts. The measures on nonessential business reopening have been long expected, but the First Minister slipped another measure into yesterday’s announcement. From Monday people in Wales will be able to break the five-mile rule for “compassionate” reasons. What counts as compassionate is deliberately vague and is open to the interpretation of individuals.
Though the shops opening will be a real, welcome boon for the economy, the human cost of the lockdown will be far more remedied by such a loophole in the fivemile rule. Many people across Wales have rigidly stuck to the letter of the law and not visited relatives despite often living only just beyond the distance afforded by the restrictions.
The toll all the limitations on our lives have taken on the wellbeing of people in Wales, especially those who live alone, has been enormous. Now these people will be able to go and visit those who depend on them. They may not depend on them for supplies, but they depend on them for companionship – a commodity that is needed more than ever in times like these.
Although some restrictions have been lifted, the virus hasn’t gone anywhere. At the start of February we had no cases in Wales, and yet in under two months we had to go into a full lockdown. The nature of the virus has not changed. Unlike in February, when Covid-19 had to go from a standing start, now it is still circulating in our communities.
We should enjoy the easing of the restrictions and cherish seeing our loved ones. But all of us need to act responsibly so as not to throw away all our hard work. Please keep safe and well.