Chuffed to bits … so let's do the next stretch very sensibly - Editor's comment

We have waited and waited, on our own and away from the ones we love, as we have battled against this awful pandemic.

Yesterday, we got a roadmap for bringing restrictions to an end. I can only compare it to the day when the first successful vaccine test was announced. It lifted us individually, as a city and a country.

This has been a very long and difficult few months. It has impacted on our children and their futures far harder than last year. It has seen thousands of lonely folk plunged into one of the darkest winters in living memory. The beautiful blue skies and sunshine over Sheffield yesterday tied in with what we all hope will be a brighter future. We’re not at spring yet but the daffodil buds are everywhere. We aren’t at the end of lockdown and Covid may never disappear but we can slowly start to live with it in a way which doesn’t stop our usual everyday activities.

For once, it would appear that our prime minister is actually following the scientific advice. The experts want us to ease lockdown gradually so it can be assessed at ever step. That is what the government's plan does and it makes sense. I know we would love to throw caution to the wind but we really don’t want to have to go back into lockdown again because we moved too quickly. We’ve been there and got that t-shirt. The vaccines are making a huge difference but we must be careful.

There are many questions which still need answers and we will need the government to significantly help our businesses, if they are to survive. This has been an awful time for people on furlough so we need reassurances around their future. We have already seen some pubs, cafes and restaurants close for good so how do we protect the rest? It has been painfully clear that the children with the least are those who have fallen behind most with their education so we need action to push them on, allowing their aspirations to soar and their dreams to become reality. But for now, let’s stick to the rules knowing that the end of these torrid times are coming and, if we all keep pulling together, we’ll be back with friends and family soon. Big hug, anyone?

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.