Lockdown message

JUST days into 2021 and the UK has been plunged into a third lockdown, after a worrying increase of coronavirus cases across the country.

Experts have warned that the NHS is under severe strain with more people being admitted to hospital as the highly contagious virus variant spreads fast across the country. The death toll continues to rise, with recent data showing that Asians are still the most at-risk group. Areas with large ethnic minority populations have shown a stark rise in cases in recent weeks, including Birmingham, Leicester and London.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Two vaccines against Covid-19 are now being administered in the UK and more than a million people have already received their first dose.

If the vaccines roll-out goes as planned and the number of deaths and cases decrease, there is hope that the UK could start moving out of lockdown by the middle of February.

However, although there is an end in sight with the vaccines, we must remain vigilant. The virus is still deadly and we must adhere to the guidelines, including wearing face masks when necessary and following social distancing rules. Some may feel frustrated by the further restrictions, but it is vital that we all do our part to help halt the spread.

It is also essential that we take the vaccine when it is available. Ignoring advice to get immunised may cause the further spread of the virus, including among your loved ones and people within your local community.

We have already witnessed the immense damage caused by the pandemic, and we must ensure the errors of 2020 are not repeated.