Commons Sense

This Monday will see a crucial step in our unlock to freedom. In just a few days we will be able to once again take part and enjoy the activities we once cherished and appreciated in the past.

Non-essential retail, hairdressers, salons, gyms, and of course outdoor restaurants and pub gardens will finally be able to re-open after nearly four months closed. The lockdown has had a devastating impact upon businesses, so it is really encouraging to see the success of the vaccine rollout enable this lockdown easing.

We saw no spike following the reopening of schools, and the previous easing nearly two weeks ago has also shown no signs of a spike yet either. In fact, contrary to predictions, cases have continued to plummet following previous relaxations in accordance with the roadmap. I am therefore hopeful that as a result of the high level of community protection, thanks to the rapid and successful vaccine rollout in the UK, we should manage to avoid a spike in infections. Thankfully, even if a spike in infections were to occur our hospitals and NHS services will now be protected from a surge in admissions and deaths.

Variants and mutations are a natural development of almost all viruses. Fortunately the pace of the vaccine roll-out and the protection it gives to existing mutations is really good so there is much to be optimistic about as we make swift progress on the road to recovery.

So let’s take advantage of our hard-won successes and enjoy the well-earned return to shops and outdoor pursuits on Monday… while of course remembering the golden rules of hands, face, space, and fresh air for the time being.

Monday will be like a breath of fresh air. We’ve earned it.