Good news about Covid has been a bit like London buses this week. You wait for one and then there’s three.

First we’ve had the excellent vaccine performance with Firs House etc now well into the next level of vaccinations. Then we had Johnson’s roadmap and some real visibility of when we might be able to do a little more. And finally the local infection stats are way down to just 6 over the 7 days up to 19 Feb 21. We’re once more well below the national average. Well done everyone!

There’s good reason for a little cautious optimism and the warmer weather and visibility of more spring flowers this week certainly help but it’s still important to remember the basic principles of hands, face and space. We’ve done so well now’s not the time to risk the progress that’s been made.

Our community is showing signs of waking up and the recently reinstated regular food trucks at the King Bill add a little extra variety to our takeaway options. There’s also a beer delivery option on Fridays. Check out www.kingbillhiston.co.uk for specifics.

The rules on meeting up will relax a tad 8 Mar 21 when you can sit down and enjoy a coffee (or tea) and more with one other so it’s good to note that:

• The Geographer is opening its doors again Wed 3 Mar; and
• D:licious will be reopening its take away service Mon 8 Mar. You can pre-order your food on 01223 568339 to have it ready on your arrival.

There’s more information about both outlets on Facebook.

8 Mar 21 is of course the big date when schools start to reopen. Our schools do a super job but implementing the new testing regime presents them with challenges which they never thought they’d have expected to face so let’s all do our best to make it easy for them. The rules might be irksome but please do your best to follow them.

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.