Tragic Saiqa a reminder that fight goes on

WE are nearing a critical time in the battle against Covid.

It has been close to two years of unimaginable horror. But now it feels like the end is in sight.

Rules have been relaxed, the vaccine is effective, they are even bringing out a pill to tackle the virus. Yet this is exactly the time we need to be most vigilant.

We are not out of the woods yet. If you ever needed a reminder of how deadly this virus is, we bring you it today in the tragic story of Saiqa Parveen. The 37-year-old did not have the jab, worried that it would affect her pregnancy.

Saiqa caught Covid and died, leaving behind four young kids and the newborn baby she never saw. Now her family are urging everyone to learn from their loss.

Her heartbroken brother said: “For God’s sake, get the vaccine.” It couldn’t be any clearer. Meantime, the Government continues its course, with the aim of protecting Christmas at all costs. Medical professionals are repeating their advice that we need Plan B immediately – that it may already be too late.

No-one wants to go into lockdown again. The toll on the economy, on the mental health of the nation, would be too great.

But we must tread carefully. The PM should look at Saiqa’s case and urge his Government to send clear, effective messages about how we should behave – how we get out of this together, safely, with the fewest deaths.

News that the booster rollout is set to be widened is welcome. If you get the chance to have one, take it. A flu shot too, if you can.

This will be a tough old winter, with the NHS under pressure and cases mounting. We are going to need all the help we can get.