Light at the end of the tunnel

Good afternoon and welcome to today's blog. As I am sure you have all been reading in the news this week, we finally have some more positive news about the pandemic we have been living through all year. Yes we are still in a national lockdown, but it is about time we were given a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, especially as we are approaching Christmas. People seem a lot happier and a lot more positive at the moment, but I want to emphasise that this is only the beginning of the journey. There is still a long way to go and we must all continue to do our part against this virus. So what exactly have we got to look forward to? 

First, and possibly the most important piece of news, is that there will be a five day window around Christmas where families can mix indoors. This might seem like a small reward for months of lockdown and suffering, but Christmas is a time of year for families to get together, exchange gifts and to appreciate having people to spend quality time with. In all honesty, people would have done that anyway - this just means that people can do so legally without the risk of a hefty fine. I have mentioned previously that there needs to be an element of give and take to keep the public on side and this is certainly a big step in the right direction. There is an argument to exchange that to include New Year's Eve as well, however, that would mean people mixing with a lot of different households in restaurants, pubs and clubs. As much as I enjoy a New Year's Eve party, we need to be grateful for the freedom that we are being given for the Christmas season.

I suppose the real light at the end of a very dark tunnel is the fact that a vaccine is well on the way to being available. Truthfully, this is the only long-term way out of the  pandemic. Recent reports have suggested that within the next few months we could have 10 million doses in the country with a further 30 million on order. We really need between 60% and 70% of the population vaccinated for it to have a desired long-term benefit. The work being carried out by scientists and medical experts should be applauded for the speed this vaccine has been produced. There is caution being issued and for a very good reason. Firstly, this virus has so many strains that there is no guarantee that one vaccine will work for every strain. Above all else, however, a vaccine from beginning to end usually takes years instead of months. While we are being assured that all the testing has been done properly, the only way to convince the public of the vaccine is the results.

Having said all of that, surely the biggest relief that we can al relate to is the confirmation that as of December 2nd the national lockdown will end. Yes it means a return to the tier system (and by the sounds of it a tougher tier system), but there will be more freedom for people to spend time with friends and family. Even something as simple as going to a restaurant as oppose to a takeaway is a blessing. And with the news that the hospitality sector will be remaining open an extra hour until 11pm, people can begin to have a semi-normal night out. Again this seems like a small mercy from the previous 10pm curfew, but in such a disappointing and stressful year it will come as a welcome relief. Once again I refer back to the give and take that the Government need to get right.

Yes we might have been living in extremely unprecedented and unwanted times this year, but there is now well and truly light at the end of the tunnel. However, and I urge people to heed this warning for everyone's sakes, we are not out of the woods yet (I can even tie Taylor into Covid - how good am I)! We must keep our foot on the gas with the social distancing and following the rules, no matter how much we want to break them. We have to show patience and willingness to come through this pandemic together. It is imperative not to break away too early because nothing good starts in a getaway car (2 in the same paragraph - go on Connor)! So please stay safe, follow the rules, protect the NHS and save lives.

As this has been quite a positive article I thought I would close on some very exciting news coming up. I have a friend who is an amazing singer and songwriter who very kindly agreed to do an interview for this blog. I can't wait for you to meet her and hopefully you will all help to increase her already very strong fanbase. And if you're very lucky there might be the video of the interview hitting your screens too!

Connor

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