Over optimism is risky, as the pandemic’ ups and downs have taught us, but at least the latest news is encouraging.
It looks as though the delicate balance is moving in the right direction.
The keynote is vaccination and it is positive; in England, over 10.6 million in the top priority group have now had their first dose.
Wales, which seemed to have been lagging, is credited with the fourth best result in the world, a solid achievement that heartens us.
And a range of statistics are telling a happier tale at the moment. Infection rates down, fewer deaths, although hospitals are still dealing with very high numbers of patients.
Medical chiefs think we may have passed reached the peak and that it might be downhill from now, even if it is a slow recovery.
May is being suggested as the beginning of the end on many restrictions and the release of billions of pounds from people's pent up savings.
The Bank of England, in its latest review, is among the optimists, suggesting that the successful vaccination programme will see a faster improvement in the economy than we might have expected.
On the other side of the scales we are looking at a temporary rise in job losses, an unemployment rate possibly reaching 8.6%.
Chancellor Sunak is being urged to continue the £200 a week extra payment on universal credit, due to end soon, to avoid many thousands struggling to keep going and provide for their families.
Getting the balance right is vital.
No comments:
Post a Comment