Thanks to our collective efforts, and our record-breaking vaccination programme, which has now vaccinated over 31.5 million people, the Prime Minister confirmed that, having continued to meet the four tests, the UK will move to Step Two on our cautious roadmap – reopening shops, gyms, zoos, personal care services and outdoor hospitality, as well as increasing the number of visitors to care homes from one to two, on 12 April.
I know I’m not alone in being excited at the prospect of being able to get a proper haircut for the first time in months! I also know how exciting the prospect of meeting friends outdoors at the pub for a pint will be after what seems like an eternity of being unable to visit our favorite local. From next week, I hope everyone gets out to their local high-street, favorite restaurant or usual pub, shops local, and enjoy the small things we can now do once again.
However, it has been reemphasized that the success of the UK’s vaccination programme does not provide universal protection, which is why reviews are continuing to evaluate COVID-status certification, international travel, large events and social distancing to ensure a consistent approach which protects the health of the public, communities and our economy.
Additionally, the Government announced this week that everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing from 9 April – which will be crucial in enabling us to continue to suppress and control the spread of the virus as we reopen our society. This will help us to stop outbreaks in their tracks, so we can get back to seeing the people we love and doing the things we enjoy.
Earlier this year, the Government set out our roadmap, and we’re sticking to it. However, we must remain cautious by monitoring the data at every stage and by following the rules: remembering hands, face, space and fresh air - that we hope together will make this roadmap to freedom irreversible. Massive efforts have been made by everyone across Mid Sussex, and the country, to stop the spread of the virus and regular testing will also help keep us all safe as we reopen and return to normality.
I just want to finish by including a quote from the Prime Minister, from Monday’s press conference:
“These changes are fully justified by the data which show we are meeting our four tests for easing the lockdown as Chris will shortly explain. But – and you know I’m going to say this – we can’t be complacent. We can see the waves of sickness afflicting other countries and we’ve seen how this story goes.
“We still don’t know how strong the vaccine shield will be when cases begin to rise, as I’m afraid that they will – and that’s why we’re saying: Please get your vaccine or your second dose when your turn comes. And please use the free NHS tests – even if you don’t feel ill, because remember 1 in 3 people with this virus doesn’t have any symptoms - and you can get these tests from pharmacies or your local test site, you can even order them on gov.uk and get home deliveries.”
I hope this will come as welcome news to all constituents, and more details can be found here (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)