Vaccine boost does not stop need for caution and compliance, warns Sheffield business leader

This is against the background of good news about the imminent arrival of a vaccine to protect them – hopefully this will give the motivation to come through this second period, wiser from their experiences during first lockdown and, more importantly, with better morale.

The prize they and all of us can enjoy if we weather this second period of restrictions is a much-needed return to a degree of normality up to and including Christmas .

However, we will have to temper our enthusiasm with the realisation some form of restrictions will still be necessary as the coronavirus not yet beaten and the roll-out of vaccines will be a huge logistical challenge.

The benefits are yet to be proven and the vaccine not yet approved, so while there is every reason to enjoy Christmas we must do so without losing our self discipline.

We cannot underestimate the challenge that will be, as our recovery from previous lockdowns was followed by the failure of too many to observe the necessary disciplines.

So, as we look forward to the vaccine restoring our freedoms to live again, the need for our caution and compliance with social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks will still be needed.

Hopefully motivated by the prospect of a happy Christmas we enter the new year with new enthusiasm to rebuild our lives, jobs, education and, not least, those waiting for so-called routine NHS diagnostics and treatment – however, not routine for those suffering with the added stress of the coronavirus.

Hopefully the prospect of a vaccine will provide a context for companies to be rebuilt together with the revitalising our town centres and above all the job less to find employment or with much needed government support access retraining opportunities.

Hopefully the new found togetherness and care for each other does not dissipate as restrictions ease as charities and vulnerable will still need help as the effects of the coronavirus will be long lasting.

Blood supplies will need to be rebuilt and the opportunity to help those waiting for organ transplant even more necessary.

One thing will have been embedded during these challenging seven months or so is how one person’s freedoms can effect the wellbeing of others and that such freedoms come with responsibilities also.

We commemorated the Fallen who gave us the freedoms we exercise today.

It should remind us whatever government’s prescribe, it is us who really make the difference to make a better world to live in, where the vulnerable are protected, the young nurtured and the way we live so dependent on our mutual respect and care for each other.