Covid: Vaccines will bring shelter from this storm but Christmas might come too soon– Nick Cook
Bon Jovi’s aptly titled new album, 2020, provides a higher degree of introspection than we normally see from the New Jersey rockers.
As the album name suggests, it touches strongly upon the impact of Covid-19 on people’s lives, families and livelihoods. With the pandemic still raging and Christmas fast approaching, a particular lyric has stuck in my head.
“Ever since there was thunder. There’s been shelter from the storm.” There is no denying the manner in which Covid-19 has thundered across the globe. It will leave the world a place forever changed.
But the pace of vaccine development now appears to be swifter than even the most optimistic of estimates, with political leaders across the UK suggesting a vaccine ready to start sheltering those most at risk before the end of the year.
We’ve had a slew of positive scientific news in recent days. US company Moderna shared results demonstrating 95 per cent-effective vaccine. After initially showing a slightly lower level of effectiveness, the latest round of data from Pfizer and BioNtech’s efforts have shown a 94 per cent rate in older people. This is significant as we know the UK has pre-ordered millions of the latter, securing priority distribution. Oxford’s vaccine too, continues to progress positively.
The First Minister is due to outline restrictions for the Christmas period next week. I sincerely hope that maximum leeway will be given. But I fear some, especially those with large or geographically distant families, might come away frustrated and disappointed.
While we know shelter is coming soon, I think many of us should still prepare (if only for this year) for a cosy Christmas with immediate family.