On the 10th May, it was announced that there were zero COVID-19 related deaths within the UK. The same day, news broke that the next stage in easing social distancing measures was going ahead. Hotels can reopen, indoor dining will return, and groups of thirty can mix outdoors. In short, it seems as though we may see some normality this summer. But, are events like festivals too much, too quickly?
What I’ve learnt over the pandemic is that things can always take another turn for the worse. The second and third lockdowns are prime examples of this — things were opened too quickly, and cases rose. But, at this stage, with the vaccine in consideration, there will be less people likely to catch the virus in the first place. The government did claim that every adult will be vaccinated by July, which includes young adults. Maybe there will be more precautions in place for under eighteens, but with the way things are going, I feel positive in the fact that summer may see some normality this year.
My main consideration is the zero COVID-19 deaths reported on the 10th May, and the fact
that right now, reported COVID-19 cases are not rising, despite outdoor dining and bars
being open. I think that a lot of this is due to the vaccine.
Personally, I’m still unsure with the possibility of festivals. I do wonder if they are too much
too quickly, but again, if events like nightclubs are set to open on the 21st June, surely
festivals will be fine? Realistically, festivals have the advantage of being outside compared
to clubs, so maybe the risk of getting COVID-19 will be decreased as a result. But, festivals
do still look like a ‘super-spreader’ event.
Honestly, I currently feel optimistic about the return of festivals, but I am considerate of the
fact that some social distancing measures may have to stay in place over the summer. Thing
is, just because there may be measures, does not mean the summer is ‘ruined’; I still
enjoyed last summer with my friends, we just had to be creative at times. Bars and pubs will
(hopefully) still be open, and even though cancelled festivals would be a shame, there are
still so many things to do over the summer to make it worthwhile. After this long winter of
lockdowns, any time in the sun with friends sounds ideal.
Edited by Pia Cooper