OPINION: Sheffield moving that bit closer to something resembling normality cannot come soon enough

In just a matter of days, the next lot of coronavirus restrictions will ease, allowing us to come in from the cold and meet our friends and family indoors once again.
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From May 17, we will be able to meet groups of up to six people or two households indoors and indoor hospitality, including pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls, children play areas, hotels, B&Bs, indoor exercise classes - will all be allowed.

After a long, tough winter – and a successful vaccination programme – moving that bit closer to something resembling normality cannot come soon enough.

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From stepping into a gig venue, to putting a key card into the door of the hotel room you are about to stay in, to sitting down at a table of your favourite Sheffield pub, bar or restaurant, it’s going to feel beyond amazing to do all of the things we haven't been able to for such a long time.

Sarah MarshallSarah Marshall
Sarah Marshall

I personally can’t wait, and know I’m going to savour every single experience that has been restricted or banned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And if all goes to plan with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, the last remaining restrictions will be lifted in June.

It’s inevitable that we're all going to want to put the pandemic, and the difficult times we have all experienced as a result of it, behind us and move forward with our lives, as soon as we’re able to.

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But I think it’s important to take stock and consider the long-lasting repercussions of a global pandemic.

Firstly, the impact it has had on many people’s mental health isn’t going to go away overnight. After more than a year away from socialising in groups, I think it’s inevitable that some of us are going to find that experience more difficult.

So let’s be understanding, try and look after each other, and regularly check in on our loved ones.

It’s also going to take a long time for businesses in Sheffield, and across the country, to get back on their feet.

If everyone who is in a position to does their best to support their favourite independent shop, café, museum, cinema, pub, restaurant or whatever it may be – it could make a huge difference.

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