Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 25th February print edition.
This week the Prime Minister announced the four steps out of lockdown. The easing of restrictions will be led by data not dates, and this cautious approach should stand us in good stead to hopefully avoid any further lockdowns in the future. Before taking each step, the Government will make sure that the necessary criteria are being met. The vaccine deployment programme will need to be continuing successfully, there will need to be evidence to show that vaccines are effectively reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated, we do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put the NHS under unmanageable pressure, and finally that there are no new risks posed by new variants.
It will take approximately four weeks for data to show the effect of easing restrictions and the Government will then give an additional week’s notice to the public and businesses prior to any further changes in restrictions. There will therefore be at least five weeks between each step in the “roadmap” out of lockdown assuming that all four tests, mentioned above, have been met.
The Government has always maintained that schools should be the last to close and the first to reopen. Education is a priority, and the challenges faced by pupils, teachers, and support staff over the last year has been immense. On the 8th March schools will reopen to all pupils so that our young people can return to the classroom and be with their peers once more. People will also be able to meet one person from outside their own household outdoors.
From 29th March people will no longer legally be required to stay at home but are being advised to work from home where possible and avoid non-essential travel. The rule of 6 will be reintroduced, or alternatively, two households of any size will be able to meet up outside including in private gardens.
On 12th April many people will be relieved to know that hairdressers will reopen. They will also be joined by gyms and outdoor pubs and restaurants and there will be no rules on substantial meals or curfews for pubs this time around.
By 17th May life will hopefully start to appear more normal as indoor pubs, restaurants, sports venues, theatres, and cinemas will reopen subject to rules. And finally, on 21st June, assuming all the relevant criteria have been met, we will reclaim our freedom and reach the point where there is no longer any legal limit on social contact.
Whilst there is still quite a way go to before any kind of normality returns this should give everyone hope that there really is light at the end of the tunnel and we are finally emerging from this awful pandemic that has, in effect, put life on hold for the best part of a year.
