DUVET MUSINGS: Some seem incapable of complying to the Covid rules

However we are reminded such is the potency of the latest strain of coronavirus that we must still maintain the well publicised regime of social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing of masks which after many months some still seem unfortunately incapable and/or unwilling to comply with.

Until this behaviour becomes socially unacceptable or subject to tougher sanctions the risk of future loss of lives, livelihoods, education etc must still be there until the distribution and acceptance of vaccines is well advanced and this unlikely to be for many months yet.

The cold weather will precipitate even more pressures on our NHS as they have to balance more Covid cases, as well as seasonal illnesses and coping with mass roll out of vaccines.

2021 can be hopefully a safer and better time for us but it will so need to rebuild our economy, secure employment, restore education of our children and free those who have been isolated in their own houses and care homes.

Reacting to the physical consequences of the pandemic will take time but the mental health issues it has precipitated cannot be underestimated also and will need a response.

Indeed all of us putting our faith in the vaccines may have to do so with both optimism and caution as it has yet to be demonstrated whether they provide long term containment of the coronavirus or however welcome a short term one and has to be updated and renewed every year as we do with flu.

Whatever the future fates decree so much will depend on us maintaining the personal responsibility for self discipline both for our own and our families sake but to set the standard for others to replicate. Whilst of course no excuse for non compliance the more we comply with both the spirit and terms of the restrictions more others will accept it as the norm.

Indeed whatever the level of restrictions we can prevent becoming victims by social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks and also by getting fitter too.

Exercising more has been seen to put us in better mental and physical shape to fight the pandemic and conversely also to be more vulnerable.

Indeed if the vaccines do indeed prove to fulfil their expectations then getting fitter will be an additional health bonus for us and there are certainly a wide choice of facilities and support available to us locally.

Even if we don’t feel motivated yet to access leisure centres walking more , cycling or taking public transport will also give us a health benefit.

In fact recently publicised plans to extend local infrastructure to support this will offer us some encouragement to do this.

However the plans need to meet our needs , requiring adequate consultation to get sustainable support from all sections of our community.

After all the lesson of the pandemic has been the need for effective consultation and without universal support any measures proposed have little chance of success.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.