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We have now completed one year of Covid-19 and its impact on our daily lives continues. Many of us might sit at home and wonder, "what was it like pre-Covid?" The full freedom that we enjoyed, the security of our health and the supply of goods, all seemed to be so effortless. The UK under the leadership of PM Johnson went all out to not just fund the research to find a vaccine, but also put pre-orders in with multiple potential suppliers. Just before Christmas, the wisdom of doing so became apparent for all to see as we in the UK became the first western nation to start administering the Covid-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable. This week we saw the EU make the biggest mistake they could by unilaterally declaring that exports of the vaccine manufactured in EU zone will be controlled. Meaning, they wanted to stop it getting to the UK. The backlash has been so ferocious, not just from the UK, but other European countries, that in the end within hours they had to backdown. This shows why we in the UK were right. Sometimes, it’s time to give credit where it's due, thank you PM Johnson.
The rate of giving these vaccinations in the UK has increased tremendously. Just last week in one day alone almost 600000 people were vaccinated. The total vaccinated has reach 10 million. That means they have got the first dose and will hopefully get their second dose in the near future for full protection. To me the issue of getting vaccinated is very simple. However, there are some people who are apprehensive. Mostly because they just fear the needle or because they have fallen for the misinformation that has been spread by ill-informed anti-vaxxers. This is dangerous and people will die.
For our community, let’s be honest, we have always been used to vaccinations. Most of us get a jab for travel to India or other exotic destinations routinely. We don’t blink an eyelid and accept it for what it is, protection. The last few weeks people in my immediate family as well as close friends have all experienced Covid-19. Several have passed away with great sadness, and others remain in hospital or recovering at home. Folks, this is real. Don’t be silly and think you’ll be alright by ignoring the sound advice being given to us. When you are offered the vaccine, get it. Do not wait, do not waste your time with the anti-vaxxers, do not follow the misinformation. One thing that is 100% guaranteed, if you get Covid-19, you will suffer greatly. You will give it to your loved ones, and they will suffer. And God forbid that it results in anyone’s death. I do not apologise for being blunt on this issue, it should upset you to read this. It should make you angry and it should give you focus and determination that if you can do anything to reduce the risk to yourself and others, that you will do so immediately.
I commend all our national and regional organisations throughout the country for doing their bit as well. Many have been providing help and support, giving the right advice, providing food parcels where necessary. In particular, the Mandirs and community centres that have been the lifeline for so many students from the Indian subcontinent who have been stranded in the UK with diminishing resources. GET THE JAB. Protect yourself, protect your loved one and protect the nation.
