The response that saved Christmas

Since the discovery and arrival on these shores of Omicron, that narrative has been stepped up and it will be no surprise to hear that in the past few days, islanders’ primary focus has been on staying safe for Christmas.

Everyone knows that a positive lateral flow test will almost certainly rule them out of Christmas celebrations, and even a sniffle will be a big risk.

Hence the widespread cancellations of Christmas parties and social events, and especially the early closure of schools and the enforced closure of the Grammar School.

Most islanders and the CCA want to try to keep things as normal as possible, with pubs, bars and clubs open, but next week might be even more nervy.

Then we turn to face the longer-term picture. And it must be said, how islanders are embracing the call to defeat Omicron – or at least hold back the predicted ‘tidal wave’ – through vaccination. The CCA and Public Health must be inspired to see the numbers responding to the open access for jabs and boosters.

Nay-sayers will again highlight the apparent weakness of Omicron as a variant but no-one will want to take their chances, now, or for a good while in the future.

But given its increased transmissibility, new concern might be equally economic as health-related. If many more people get Omicron than caught Delta earlier this month, we could be facing potentially 5-10% of the working population either caught up with the virus or closely linked to someone who is, and therefore away from the workplace. And not everyone can work from home.

The objective for today for many is to save Christmas, and we hope that comes to pass. Then the immediate challenge is to stay out of any kind of lockdown, however that may manifest itself, and keep the community functioning. Hopefully this week a good start has been made.