I am writing this column just a few days after the relaxation of Covid restrictions. I know to some it seems normality had returned day-to-day but the easing of social distancing regulations, and not to mention reopening of certain sectors of the economy, is crucial for some businesses.
Having walked around both Wells and Westminster, it seems that the decisions regarding face coverings – which I know have caused some angst – are being made by both businesses and individuals and there seems to be little change in the number of people wearing them.
This shift to personal choice is one which is so important – particularly with infections rising, and I know many are still taking precautions to protect themselves and others.
I am meeting with the CCG this week and will no doubt speak about the pandemic in detail, but thankfully it still seems that hospital admissions and deaths are still relatively low compared to previous waves and this is yet more proof about the efficacy of the vaccine.
The key thing now is to get as many people jabbed as possible (particularly with a second dose), so rules on self-isolation can be relaxed for those that have that immunity, and life can feel as close to normal as possible with everything up and running again.
There are still some challenges ahead, with some important decisions to be made, but it is so nice to see local tourism, hospitality, and society in general back to levels of normality we have not seen for more than 18 months.
