Many wished this year to be a much better year than the last where our lives can finally begin to get back to normal. Many hoped they would be able to see their loved ones again and hoped parts of the hospitality industry may be able to open again after months and months of closure. The two approved vaccines in the UK has provided everyone with a huge amount of hope for the year ahead but with this new variant spreading more rapidly many more thousands of lives are continuing to be put at risk.
The first few days of 2021 has created a huge amount of uncertainty and unknown about the year ahead. From schools re-opening and exams going ahead in 2021 to the arising possibility a national lockdown may be approaching. The school re-opening has caused a huge amount of controversy and difficult decisions. Education is key for children’s future and mental health and has been proved to be essential for the livelihood of young children. With the announcement of primary schools not opening in London has come with mixed opinions from many parents. Many parents feel relieved at this announcement as were worried about their children’s health and the possibility of them passing it on to more vulnerable people. However, this announcement also has made many parents worried, upset, and stressed for several reasons. Childcare is needed to be arranged for many in this situation which is hard especially considering the short notice. Furthermore, many parents are worried their children may not be able to receive any proper education as just don’t have the resources such as laptops and iPad’s available for their children to learn properly.
In addition, despite the hope the vaccines have brought to thousands of people many have been left disappointed that they have only been able to have one vaccine out of the promised two vaccines. The first vaccine provides them with just over 50% protection however many of the most vulnerable people are disappointed they could not receive the full protection when promised. Many of the most vulnerable people haven’t been out for over nine months and with the second vaccine not being available to some for the next three months they feel despite half the protection they feel as if it is safer if they continue to stay at home. This has caused a huge amount of controversy and disappointment however many argue that it is better to get as many people protected from the first vaccine which gives the most protection, in order to protect more lives and reduce the spread of the virus.
