Monday saw the removal of most Covid restrictions as we finally harnessed the benefits of our country’s vaccine rollout, which has protected the highest number of people in any major Western democracy.
I know that constituents across the Forest have mixed views on this – some are pleased, some are nervous – which is fine. I have been out and about speaking to constituents recently across the length and breadth of the Forest of Dean constituency about this issue – from Coleford to Dymock.
Some were glad that we were trying to get back to normal while others were a bit nervous, saying they would like to ‘wait just a couple of more weeks’ or ‘until it’s safe’ or ‘until it’s over’. I may agree, were it not for the fact that unfortunately Covid is going to be with us “forever” according to the UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.
Sadly, Covid will never be ‘over’ and the risk from it will never be zero. Vaccines massively reduce the risk of getting seriously ill and dying from Covid, which is why I was very keen to get my two jabs from the Forest’s vaccine hub in Cinderford, but the scientific experts concur that we will never be able to get rid of Covid as it will become endemic.
On the issue of masks and face coverings, which a number of constituents have written to me about, I think it is right that as we seek to remove the number of legal restrictions governing the population on Covid, we make masks an advisory feature of life. I will continue to wear mine in enclosed spaces, to protect others, but it’s right that we trust people to make decisions on how best to balance risk with a virus that is going to be with us forever.
On ‘pinging’ and self-isolation rules for even those who have been vaccinated, I have spoken to our local NHS leadership and know how frustrating it has been for NHS staff affected. I raised this with Ministers and this was subsequently changed. I am now pushing for this to be extended to the rest of the population – vaccination massively reduces risk from Covid, and the rules on self-isolation should reflect that.