JAMES GRUNDY MP: The light at the end of the tunnel

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, with many having to make sacrifices to keep their friends, family and loved ones safe.

Now, with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

By the time you will be reading this column, the Prime Minister will have given a statement in the House of Commons, detailing the roadmap out of the Covid-19 pandemic and the slow and steady lifting of Coronavirus restrictions.

I wanted to take the time to summarise what the roadmap entails for local people and local businesses.

During his statement, the Prime Minister set out the four tests that need to be met to commence the easing of restrictions.

Test 1, is that the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. Test 2, that the evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.

Test 3, that infection rates remain at a level that do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

And finally, Test 4, that the assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Covid-19 variants of concern.

Whilst these four tests are met, our Government can commence on its path to slowly reducing restrictions.

But, many of you will ask what exactly does this plan look like? Whilst this plan is dependent upon these four tests being met (and could be delayed), the Prime Minister has set out certain steps and dates that we can all work towards.

Step 1 will commence on March 8, with schools and colleges opening for all students.

If the above tests continue to be met, on March 29, the Government will enable people to meet up in limited numbers outdoors, where they are less likely to catch the virus or pass it on.

In addition, from this date, certain outdoor sports facilities will also be able to reopen, as well as outdoor childcare and supervised activities such as parent and child groups will also be able to take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees.

During Step 2, which will commence five weeks after Step 1 (and no earlier than April 12), indoor leisure facilities, outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks, drive in cinemas, libraries and community centres, personal care businesses, all retail, outdoor hospitality and more will be able to reopen.

This will also be accompanied with workforce testing and continued social distancing guidance.

At least five weeks after Step 2, and no earlier than May 17, Step 3 will commence, and more social mixing will be permitted, both indoors and outdoors (with more details to be confirmed later in the year).

In addition to this, indoor entertainment and attractions, organised indoor adult sport, remaining outdoor entertainment, remaining accommodation, will all be able to reopen.

International travel will also be permitted, although this is subject to review.

Some large events may also be able to take place, although again, more details are set to be confirmed on this soon, and most significant life events will be able to take place with up to 30 attendees.

Finally, Step 4 will commence no earlier than June 21, and at least five weeks after Step 3, where no legal limits will remain on social contact, nightclubs will be able to reopen, all large events will be able to take place and there will be no legal limit on the attendee numbers on all life events.

Whilst I know that many constituents will be concerned about the length of this process, I believe that the Prime Minister is right.

In order to ensure that we do not have to revert back to implementing tighter restrictions, a slow, steady, and measured process is required.

The regular reviews in place will also enable the Government to regularly review the progress of these measures, and the impact they have on Covid-19 case rates and hospital admission rates, to ensure that the pressure on our NHS is reduced.

Of course, more details about these plans will emerge over the coming weeks, but should you have any questions about these restrictions and what they mean for you, your family/friends, or your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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