Sport still needs answers for vaccine loss

From securing stocks and reliable supply lines, to how they are stored and how they are administered, the questions just keep coming.

And casting around for an ideal location in Guernsey to set up a vaccination centre was always likely to create ripples.

Guernsey is not alone in eyeing up its leisure centre as the ideal spot, with Jersey opting for Fort Regent.

Good transport links, access, hard flooring, storage and connectivity with the States online systems have all played into the choice of the Sir John Loveridge Hall by Policy & Resources and Health & Social Care.

Under pressure for more explanation from the Guernsey Sports Commission and all those people who will have their activities disrupted as a result, from basketball, volleyball, trampolining to indoor football and Guernsey Mobility Let’s Go, the committees have put out a statement to say that the hall meets all the key criteria.

It can also be upscaled should social distancing requirements become necessary – the experience in Jersey in the last few days shows just how quickly an outbreak can spread out of control.

But what remains on the minds of all of those who will either be displaced from their healthy activities, or not be able to do them at all, is just why the option of the David Fergusson Hall, just a few steps across the Concourse and in much lighter use, was ruled out.

The States response yesterday was light on the detail of what tipped the balance, or what criteria the option failed on, and that clearly makes it difficult for those on the outside looking in.

There has been significant public buy-in to the Covid response so far, and that goodwill and trust needs to continue if the vaccination programme is to be a success.

The States is working to find new locations for all those who will be impacted with the hall being out of use for up to five months, but it will be impossible to cater for everyone.