ANNE-MARIE TREVELYAN: We are now able to proceed with optimism

I am writing this column on a mild, occasionally sunny day in Northumberland, in between visits to HMP Northumberland and the Amble Inn.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak.Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

It is fantastic to be able to resume face to face meetings once more, with social distancing in place. Resuming visits a few weeks ago has certainly made me appreciate the value of social interactions. Although technology has been so vital these past months, nothing beats seeing people in person. I have been delighted by the return of the bustle to our high streets, including from tourists venturing to Northumberland once more. It is incredible to be able to welcome them back to our hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and wonderful attractions.

One of the key announcements made by the Chancellor in his economic update was the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme which provides a discount of 50% (up to £10 per person) of food costs Monday-Wednesday from August 3 to August 31. Restaurants, cafes and other dine-in food establishments need to register with the government to be able to sign up for the discount scheme. This is in addition to a temporary VAT cut to 5% for food and non-alcoholic drinks, which runs until January. Please do take advantage of these schemes and help to support our local cafés, pubs and restaurants who have worked so hard to make their premises Covid secure.

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Earlier today, the Prime Minister announced further relaxations planned for 1 August, including close-contact beauty treatments, bowling alleys, theatres and remaining leisure centres. Pilots will take place of larger socially-distanced gatherings, to hopefully enable the return of fans to sporting stadia in October. Employers will be able to consult with staff about returning to (Covid secure) workplaces if that is best for them, and public transport will be open to everyone.

This is only possible because the virus is now circulating in very low numbers. The data shows the prevalence of the virus in the general population is extremely low and declining, despite the easing of lockdown restrictions. New infection rates continue to decrease, and hospital admissions and deaths continue to fall. Testing capacity continues to be increased, and our own UK-based PPE supply chains remain secure. To prepare for the winter, the NHS is to receive an additional £3billion (in addition to the extra £30billion already announced), Nightingale hospitals will remain on standby and we will be rolling out the largest winter flu vaccination programme in the history of the UK. We must remain vigilant, and part of that involves continuing to observe social distancing and wearing masks in shops and on public transport to protect others. However, we are now able to proceed with optimism and to do our best to live our lives as normally as we can.