The Prime Minister’s decision to delay lifting health restrictions by up to four weeks is a disappointing, if not an unexpected one.
It didn’t have to be like this and once again the Prime Minister’s dithering has caused confusion and uncertainty. Had he put India on the red list earlier we might have been in a better situation now. People and businesses are paying the price for his inaction.
The delay to lift restrictions must also be paired with details of measures of continued support for business and people.
Data, not dates, must always be the driving force behind lifting restrictions and it is clear that an extension could help prevent hospitalisations and allow for more vaccinations to be carried out.
The more people vaccinated the more protection we all have from this virus.
This delay must be used wisely by the Prime Minister to avoid any further setbacks.
We need to see more mass vaccination centres and availability to make sure as many people as possible can be vaccinated in this time. Vaccination is the way out of this pandemic and I’d urge everyone to take up their vaccine when offered – or get vaccinated now if they missed their appointments.
