"You can't live in fear": Worcestershire cancer patient welcomes easing of Covid restrictions
Tonya O'Donnell says clincally vulnerable people will have to do what's right for them
Last updated 27th Jan 2022
A cancer patient from Worcestershire has welcomed the easing of coroanvirus restrictions.
Tonya O'Donnell has a positive outlook as Plan B restrictions coming to an end today and says people "can't live in fear".
The Prime Minister announced last week that 'Plan B' restrictions are being withdrawn, with government restrictions in England being changed back to 'Plan A'.
Tonya was diagnosed had the majority of her cancer treatment before the first lockdown and began shielding with her family.
"I approached Covid the same way I approached my cancer treatment. I just thought we'll just look for the positives", says Tonya.
"We played a lot of board games, we had mini festivals in the garden and bought lovely steaks to have posh steaks dinner like you would at the pub.
"But I am really glad that the pandemic is starting to wane and I'm really glad that means people can get back to doing the things they want to do. because they're the things that make us happy."
Which Covid restrictions are changing?
- Mask wearing will no longer be compulsory
- Covid vaccine certification will no longer be compulsory, while many venues may voluntarily carry on asking for covid vaccination status, it will not be a legal requirement
- The government will no longer ask people to work from home
- Restrictions on visiting care homes will be eased, with the Health Secretary setting out the rules in the near future
Tonya added: "I know it's been incredibly difficult for people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable but you also can't live in a mindset of fear.
"I think what people will need to do is assess their own risk.
"Even if that means going forward you have to continue to maintain a certain amount of health measures yourself."