My View: We're not in the clear yet

Glossop Chronicle and Tameside Reporter journalist Lauren Entwistle has her own column in the paper, giving her opinion on all kinds of subjects. This week, she urges people to continue to play their part in getting coronavirus under control.

Like so many of us, the NHS has played a huge part in my life and the lives of those I love. 

And as action for those providing healthcare on the 

front line enters its second phase, it is crucial that we stay careful and respectful - in a bid to protect those who are most vulnerable.

It’s no secret that this crisis has been incredibly difficult for our hospitals, care-workers and professionals. 

This pandemic (and every unprecedented consequence) has hit us all hard, but no more so than those working in that sector - still working within a hugely stressful environment against such a hardy threat.

And despite ever-changing guidelines, they are still doing their best. 

But we need to ensure that us, as members of the public, are upholding our end of the deal.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned the public not to get carried away following Monday’s limited easing of lockdown restrictions, which allows people in England to meet in groups of up to six people in outdoor spaces such as a park or private garden.

Some pupils will be permitted to begin a phased return to school and more non-essential shops will begin implementing plans for reopening across the next fortnight. 

Oh, and horseracing is coming back.

But with the burst of warm weather, police noted more incidents of people swimming in large groups in reservoirs, using BBQs on dry sections of land (yet another fire has sprung up on moorland around Dovestone Reservoir) and further reports of large gatherings.

For my family, our lockdown has been tinged with the fact my Mum is a new member to the ‘vulnerable’ category, with weeks peppered with phone consultations, pre-ops and lengthy rigmarole to enter the building without coming in contact with anyone.

Due to new Covid-19 guidelines, many operations are being postponed to a later date, as hospitals hold their breath for a possible second spike.

As my Mum reported to me following a chat to one of the nurses: “Things are changing on a regular basis, so please be mindful out there. 

“It’s still a very serious situation we’re all in.”

None of us are quite in the clear yet. 

For NHS staff, front-line workers and those who are vulnerable, please be considerate in what you do.