The Prime Minister has now set out his roadmap for a cautious easing of national restrictions. This lockdown has been incredibly hard for families and for businesses, so it is a huge relief to see light at the end of the tunnel. There are various opinions on whether the pace is right, so let me set out for you some of the background behind it.
While case rates in Sevenoaks have fallen substantially, our hospitals still have a very high number of Covid-19 patients on the wards; just under the number they had when we went into lockdown for the first time in 2020. This is representative of what is happening nationally. So, while the data is moving in the right direction, there is very little leeway in our hospital capacity for a surge in cases, and a surge is still possible whilst under 100% of the population is vaccinated - and given that vaccinations offer high but not total protection. That is why we need to take things more slowly than would otherwise be the case, and be absolutely certain that every step we are taking doesn’t lead to another lockdown.
The first priority is rightly schools. All the evidence shows that classrooms are the best places for our young people to be and that’s why I’ve said from the start that schools must be the last to close and the first to reopen. Their closure has had a devastating impact on many children’s mental health and academic attainment – while also placing a heavy burden on parents. We know schools, and in particular primary schools, do not contribute to the spread of this vicious disease, so it is important everyone understands that schools are safe to fully return for teachers, students and parents. I will of course be working closely with heads in preparation for school return, and I am enormously grateful for the incredible work of our teachers locally in keeping schools open for those who need it, while also juggling remote learning.
I am also pleased to hear that care home residents will be able to nominate a named visitor to see them regularly, provided they test negative and wear PPE. This is something I have been calling for, as I know how incredibly difficult and heart-breaking the last year has been for so many families with relatives or friends in care.
Finally, I have spoken many times before in my column about my support for the hospitality industry. This year has been particularly hard for restaurants and pubs, and I know from many conversations how difficult things have been in Sevenoaks for owners and staff – especially because we had extra restrictions due to the surging virus rates late last year. According to the roadmap, it is hoped outdoor hospitality can reopen on 12th April, with indoor hospitality following on 17th May. I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister confirm that the 10pm curfew will not be returning, and there will no longer be the need to order a substantial meal when ordering an alcoholic drink. Whilst we wait for return, I am very aware of the need for continued support and I am making these representations to the Treasury.
