On Monday we took the final step, Step 4, on the roadmap out
of lockdown. We are now in a position where all legal restrictions have been
lifted. I know that many will welcome the return of most of our freedoms, to be
able to go about our lives free from the restrictions that have been necessary
over the past 18 months. But I am also very much aware there are those who are
nervous and have concerns about taking this step.
We are all aware that the virus has not gone away. It is
still with us, and we continue to see significant numbers of people testing
positive. But as has been said many times, we do need to learn to live with
this virus. Just as we live with other infectious viruses such as seasonal
influenza.
We cannot live in lockdown forever. There is never going to
be a time that is risk free for us to lift restrictions. With the successful
roll out of the vaccine, when all adults have now been offered the first dose,
and in the summer months when we are all spending more time outdoors and schools
are on holiday, now is the moment when the risks are probably as low as they
will ever be.
It is clear, although the number of people testing positive has
been rising, we are not seeing the same increase in the number of people
falling seriously ill and requiring hospital treatment. The link between the
virus and serious illness have been significantly weakened by the vaccine. This
gives us the confidence that we can lift restrictions without seeing the NHS
overwhelmed by COVID cases.
These, as always, are difficult decisions to make. There is
always a balance between the risk of the virus and the other harmful impacts of
lockdowns. We need to be clear that there is no risk free option. Continuing
the lockdown would have serious consequences on the ability of the NHS to
address the ongoing health needs including the large backlog of those waiting
for treatment, the wider health and wellbeing damage, including mental health
and the economic impact further lockdown would cause. My view is that we are at
the point where if we do not lift restrictions now, when would we ever do so?
But this does not mean we should now throw off all caution
and have a ‘free for all’. The onus remains on all of us to behave responsibly.
We should all continue to act with caution and apply common sense to how we
live, keeping the virus in mind. Instead of the government applying legal
requirements we now move into a phase of advice and guidance which we should
all apply wisely.
Just because we are now allowed to do something does not mean
it is wise or responsible to do so. We are free to not have to wear a mask, but
it would be wise to still do so when in crowded confined spaces. Or asked to do so by businesses. We are free
to meet with anyone we choose in unlimited numbers and socialise in bars, pubs
and nightclubs. But we should continue to act cautiously, especially if we have
not had both doses of the vaccine or have close family who are vulnerable. We
are free to make personal choices, but we should all be aware our choices will have
an impact on those around us.
The track and trace system, along with the NHS COVID-19 app,
will remain in operation and all those who are contacted need to continue to
self isolate as instructed to do so. I know this is putting pressure on many
businesses and public services due to the number of people being ‘pinged’. This
should be a sign to us all that the virus is still very much around.
Some requirements to self-isolate for frontline NHS staff,
who have been vaccinated, are being lifted and a test and release scheme put in
place instead. But until these changes apply to us all on 16th
August, we should all be aware of the risk of being in close proximity with
someone who tests positive and us being instructed to isolate. This is another
reason for us all to act responsibly and cautiously in the coming weeks.
I know the coming weeks will be a time of continued
uncertainty and challenging for many. But we are making progress towards
getting life back to normal. We are now very much in a different phase and we
should apply these changes to our own lives as most appropriate for us.
As always, my office is available for any constituents
needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel.
01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
