November 2020
2020 has been a difficult year. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects has been not knowing when or how we will overcome the pandemic. Therefore, the news that a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech can prevent nine out of 10 people contracting Covid-19 offers light at the end of the tunnel.
As a member of the Health & Social Care Select Committee, I have been fortunate to follow the progress towards a vaccine. It is great news that the Government has ordered 40 million doses, enough for approximately one third of the population. This is along with orders of over 300 million doses of 5 other potential vaccines. It is encouraging that no safety concerns have been raised at this stage. However, the analysis still needs to be peer reviewed and considered by regulatory agencies.
Whilst we await the next steps in the vaccine approval process, there is positive news on testing. Hertfordshire will receive 10,000 lateral flow tests as part of a new pilot scheme. This means we can proactively test individuals without symptoms to help identify asymptomatic cases.
This new testing programme will help us drive down the R rate by reducing transmission. This innovative technology can provide results within an hour without needing to be processed in a lab. With lower rates of transmission, we can start getting back to life as we knew it.
But my optimism comes with caution, there is still the monumental challenge of producing enough of the vaccine and actually getting it to people across the UK.
The Prime Minister was clear that “we cannot rely on this news as a solution.” Whilst we could see some vaccines being rolled out by Christmas, it will not help with the second wave we are currently in as very sadly, deaths and hospitalisations are still rising.
When we exit this national lockdown, we will move back to the regional tier system. If we all follow the guidance together, I am hopeful we can emerge back into tier one.
As we hope for the best outcome with the vaccines, we must remain vigilant. Despite the simplicity of washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing, they are still the most powerful tools in stopping the spread and protecting one another. So, whilst I am confident that we can get through this, please continue to follow the guidance.
