I look forward to the day when the discussion about being released from lockdown does not dominate my day. After living in the city with the longest lockdowns, it's hard not to be scanning the news about when the government will end restrictions.
If there is some silver lining about the current lockdown, it is encouraging people to get vaccinated. First dose vaccinations have now hit 87% of the population over 12 years of age, and it is expected to climb to almost 94% before they are done. Given that less than 5% may not come back for a second dose, we should hit 90% double dose vaccination in the foreseeable future. The question being asked is when?
At 70% double dose, the government will relax some lockdown restrictions, including some dining and bars outside and small family get-togethers. We are now at 61.5% double dose, and we should get to 70% by the end of next week. Then, for the first time in three months, I will be able to get a haircut. At 80% double dose, most lockdown restrictions will be lifted, and we are free to meet in larger groups. We should get there by 1st November.
The government have promised that the lockdown will end when we hit 80%. They are even talking about us hitting the targets early. That would be great. So, now is not the time to take the foot off the pedal, we are racing towards 80% double dose coverage, and we can't get there fast enough.