It is important that the government responds to this new Covid from south Africa with a targeted, measured, and calm response.
Travel restrictions from affected regions are both sensible and practical.
Tighter regulations on the use of masks in public places and shops will provide security for millions.
It is also sensible to ask for PCR tests, self-isolation and a return traveler’s authorization.
The Omicron strain’s importance or worry is not yet known. So we should act – but with care.
It is important that the response by the Government to this new Covid from South Africa be specific, measured, and above all calm
It has been speculated that the virus is more dangerous than the Delta-type and that vaccines against it might not be effective. This is all speculation.
It simply isn’t possible to take enough time for all of this. It is prudent to make targeted, sensible precautions while we still wait for the answers.
If they’re not needed, they can be removed quickly and they’re also easy to keep if justified. We can respond quickly to every crisis when they occur.
If these threats turn out to be true, there is a great vaccine research facility in this country. We also have the capability to react quickly when required.
As experience has shown, it is extremely challenging to lift restrictions that were imposed on daily work and personal life.
Many voices would warn that this was too early to risk it, and Ministers would hesitate incessantly. We could still be subject to these curbs for many months.
Some quarters are calling for the lifting of restrictions on our national lives. We should therefore be cautious. Now we know the high cost of such measures.
It will take the NHS many months to heal from the impact of last lockdown. This was when many people were unable to access vital tests and treatments.
Mental health for the elderly and lonely is already in trouble. It would be so depressing for them to remain in lockdown again, particularly at Christmas when many people look forward to gathering around the Christmas tree.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made a bold and admirable decision to free the nation from any shutdowns or closures as soon as possible.
Many people have criticized this decision. Other countries have seen an increase in the incidences of the disease. The English statistics, however, are still a pleasant surprise.
With all the dangers it poses to our health, winter is upon us and Mr Johnson’s policies may not be able to be argued that they have solved the problem. However, it’s much more difficult to say that they failed or were too reckless.
Our freedom is back. The economy is growing, education is returning to normal and daily life is returning to normal. While the Health Service works hard to clear its backlog, increasing numbers of people have been able take overseas holidays or fly to visit long-lost relatives.
These gains may need to be sacrificed at some point. If that happens, we’ll be there to help them.
However, we should be careful not to rush into such actions. A fool can panic but a true stateman should be calm.