Salisbury MP thanks schools for 'magnificent job' during Covid-19
John Glen is also asking us to keep Christmas as 'modest as you can'
The city's MP has been heaping praise on local schools as part of his latest blog.
Mr Glen says with the first coronavirus vaccines starting to be rolled out across the UK from this week, he's 'feeling more hopeful for the future than for many a long month'.
He says the jabs could have a massive impact on schools:
"As our pupils head into the final week of term, I want to congratulate the majority of local schools, which have managed to stay fully open and also to offer sincere thanks to those that have dug deep, worked around disruptions and absences and kept going.
"You have done a magnificent job and parents and children thank you for it.
"As the vaccine gradually rolls out in the coming months, there is every reason to hope that we are nearing the end of stop-start learning, bubbles and all the restrictions that have ruled our lives in recent times."
But John Glen is warning that 'a few difficult months lie ahead' after 'a bit of Christmas hope and joy'.
He's urging us to 'continue to take care' while the vaccines are given to the most vulnerable first.
Salisbury's MP is calling on families to be aware of the consequences of not sticking to the restrictions in place:
"There has been a small spike in cases in schools in the second half of term, which local health authorities trace directly back to half term and the small numbers of people who engaged in a 'last hurrah' of socialising prior to the second lockdown.
"Being tasked with anticipating and preparing for all eventualities, they are planning for a similar effect in January.
"However, it goes without saying that outbreaks in schools have a massive impact on education, which goes far beyond those who are unfortunate enough to be unwell."
CHRISTMAS BUBBLES 'WELCOME'
The final part of John Glen's blog refers to the flexibility of rules between December 23rd and 27th, but is asking us all to be careful:
"The relaxation of restrictions over Christmas to allow people to form three-household bubbles is welcome. But it is there to help those who have been lonely and who desperately need to connect with family and friends - not to sanction a free-for-all.
"It gives much-needed leeway to those whose loved ones are scattered and for whom, without company, festive spirit would be hard to come by.
"But, as we make our plans and look forward to a few days off, I join the local NHS and Wiltshire public health team in urging everyone to make your Christmas as modest as you can this year."