Happy new year. Well, it us the new year, but I’m not sure how happy people are. Or how new it really is for that matter. It seems as if we’re starting 2021 right where 2020 left off, so my new year’s greeting to everyone is “be ready for anything”.

While it seems like more of the same, there are some big differences. The first is that we know what to expect. We have endured months of lockdown with all but non-essential businesses being forced to close. This time last year, we were aware of a virus sweeping through China which, experts told us, would spread around the world. We listened, we understood, but few of us could imagine what would happened next.

This time we can. It doesn’t make the disruption any less real, especially with school closures. The biggest frustration is the speed at which changes are happening – or in some cases, not happening. As we approached the much-longed-for Christmas Day concession to mix with a small number of loved ones, we all knew infections rates were going through the roof. New variants of the virus were spreading like wildfire, especially among children and young people. Many realised and would have understood if the Christmas we were hoping for had to be cancelled. But, as inexplicably as London being placed in Tier 2, it went ahead.

Equally as confusing, the Prime Minister was live on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show Sunday morning to say that schools are safe, primary schools would open as planned on Monday and secondary schools would open two weeks later and be expected to arrange mass testing for students. There was understandable anxiety among primary school staff and parents who did not feel safe returning. Coupled with rising infections, several headteachers took the decision to close because they could not operate safely. Still, the message was that schools are safe and should remain open.

Throughout Monday, there was news of soaring infection rates and school closures. The Scottish, Welsh and Irish governments took the decision to reintroduce full lockdowns in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. There was little surprise at the announcement that the Prime Minister would address the nation at 8pm. Much like the bicycle-shaped present wrapped under the Christmas tree, we all knew what was coming.

The second big difference to 2021 is that vaccines are being rolled out to protect us from the virus. Scientists also hope it might stop or at least reduce transmission. The main thing is that we have something that will stop this rampant virus killing people by the thousands.

This is fantastic news and an incredible achievement from all the scientists and doctors involved in finding a way of beating a disease they have had less than 12 months to understand.

Because of the numbers involved, it will take months to vaccinate the entire country to keep everyone safe, which is why the lockdown has been introduced to curb the spread until we are all immune. Sadly, this means more restrictions.

Lockdown is here again and the only way forward is for people and businesses have to cover all the bases. We have to prepare for the unexpected. Businesses need to prepare for delivery or to operate online only where possible – or diversify into essential areas that will not be affected by future lockdowns. The reality is that, vaccine or not, this will be our future for a while to come. It might be unconventional, but is about the only way to futureproof your business in the current climate.

If you plan for and expect the worst-case scenario, there is a chance that you will be pleasantly surprised. Or, at the very least, ready for the latest the virus has to throw at you.

Good luck, take care, and stay safe. And please feel free to get in touch if you want to chat or have a moan. 

#lockdown #newyear #beprepared