Following our own path out of the darkness

A third full lockdown in the UK has been looming since long before the Christmas break but it still packs a punch when the prime minister makes one of his sombre addresses to the nation.

The first time he did so to announce a national lockdown was nine months ago, on Monday 23 March. A day later this Bailiwick followed suit.

Thankfully, in terms of coronavirus control at least, the route taken by the two jurisdictions in the intervening period has been very different and the distance between us is now considerable.

The Bailiwick, seemingly secure behind its borders, is picking up the odd travel case here and there but somehow managing to stay in the single figures for active cases.

While the UK warns of ‘tough, tough times ahead’ however there is no room for complacency here.

The explosive virulence of the new UK variant of Covid-19 and the even more contagious version coming out of South Africa should be warning enough that the Bailiwick is only ever one supercluster away from its own darkness.

In light of that, each day of strict adherence to the isolation rules and vigilance among us all to maintain good hygiene buys precious time to get supplies of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines onto the island and into people’s arms.

The UK by contrast has the difficult task of administering the largest vaccination programme in its history while in a state of lockdown and with the NHS perilously close to being overwhelmed.

Globally, the demand for the vaccines is already huge. Politicians across the planet are complaining that they cannot get enough jabs for their people.

As ever, Guernsey is trusting its Public Health service to make the right decisions. Firstly, how to source the vaccine supplies. Secondly, how to administer them quickly.

The latter point includes whether to follow the UK and deliver a single dose followed by a follow-up sometime within 12 weeks or stick to the original 21-day protocol.

In making such difficult choices, the islands must retain the confidence that has served them so well and keep to the path that is right for our very different circumstances.