Bassetlaw MP: We can all see light at the end of the Covid tunnel

The vaccination programme has been a huge success, with more than 17 million people receiving a jab so far, but I think it is also important to recognise the role of the public in suppressing the virus by obeying the law, staying at home, getting tested when needed, isolating when required and following the ‘hands, face, space’ and ‘letting fresh air in’ guidance.

The Government is now able to provide a roadmap to lifting restrictions and provided its four tests are met, have been able to outline when changes can be made.

This will be done on a national basis and not by different areas, as was seen during the tier system.

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the scientific data to reflect the changes in restrictions and to be analysed, followed by one week’s advance notice of the restrictions that will be eased.

Only when the Government is sure that it is safe to move from one step to the next will the final decision be made.

The decision will be based on four tests – the vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully, evidence showing vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated, infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS and our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants.

The aim is to lift all Covid restrictions in England by June 21.

I am particularly pleased that our schools will be able to reopen to all pupils from March 8.

Again, it is worth remembering that schools have been open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers throughout the pandemic and I want to thank staff for not only making this possible, but also for their flexibility and working with parents to make learning possible at home.

The end of the Covid pandemic is in sight and we must now focus on the future.

Together we are beating this virus – now is the time for Bassetlaw to build back better on the path to recovery.

Brendan Clarke-Smith is MP for Bassetlaw.