Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Britons have set an example to the world of how to meet the challenges of lockdown.
Not only have the overwhelming majority of us followed the rules, but hundreds and thousands have gone even further, stepping up to volunteer for the NHS or in their community.
Across the country, we can see this hard work is paying off. Infection rates are falling, and the Health Service has been able to treat everyone who needs assistance.
Even better, we’re now in a position where the Government can start looking at further easing the lockdown restrictions and setting a course back towards normal life.
This week, the Prime Minister published a document called ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’ which sets out a rough timetable for key measures, including his hope that primary school children will be able to return to school for a month before the summer holidays.
Provided the virus stays under control, next month will also see non-essential shops and shopping centres. Other businesses including pubs, restaurants, and cinemas will hopefully be allowed to reopen in July.
Ministers are also looking at changes which would allow us to meet friends and relative for outdoor events, such as picnics and barbeques, by the end of June.
There is no getting around the fact that we may not find a vaccine to Covid-19, and thus be in for a long battle to bring it under control. But if we continue to respect the rules and follow the guidance, we will be able to find a more sustainable way to live alongside it.
Finally, I want to give a big shout-out to this week’s Corona Hero: Dominic Wright, who is a local vicar at St Margaret’s Church in Olton. Last week he took to his driveway to undertake an epic, socially-distanced virtual cycle from Damascus to Jerusalem, following in the Biblical footsteps of St Paul.
All this was to raise funds for the Diocese of Birmingham, helping the Church continue its vital work in one of the least-well-off parts of the country. So far, he’s raised over £3,000 – congratulations Dom!
