Celebrating Vaisakhi is a special moment for me. Being with family and friends at our local gurdwara is something I look forward to every year. The day is also an important celebration for the Sikh community.
However, this year, like last year, we will need to celebrate safely. We know that ethnic minority populations have the worst outcomes from Covid-19. Many of us have lost family members, friends and colleagues to this nasty virus. We are still in a pandemic and despite restrictions being lifted on April 12, we must all still play our part in following the guidance.
Even if we have been vaccinated, we should stay alert and be aware of the latest rules to protect our loved ones and ourselves. Continue to wash your hands regularly, do not share food with others, keep a safe distance from others, do not mix households inside and wear face coverings indoors (for further advice please visit https://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus).
Also, when you’re asked to come forward to be vaccinated, please do so. The vaccine gives us the best chance to be able to worship together again and celebrate occasions with loved ones.
I have had my vaccine and my parents have also had their first dose and we will continue to remain vigilant and follow the guidance. We are looking forward to my brother’s wedding in the gurdwara this summer once lockdown restrictions are raised. However, we will only be able to do so if we continue to make the excellent progress with the vaccinations and the number of Covid-19 cases coming down. Let’s all play our part with this progress and come out of this pandemic.
Happy Vaisakhi to all those celebrating.
(Dr Harpreet Sood is NHS England’s Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer and a GP in London).