In these darkening Autumn days, the colourful, musical and vibrant festival of Diwali always fills hearts with hope and joy. This year, more than ever, we need that hope and joy.
In 2020 we have faced a great darkness in Covid-19. Over the past 7 months we have built the largest diagnostic network in British history, and I was really pleased when we hit our testing capacity target of 500,000 tests a day at the end of October.
But NHS Test and Trace is not a silver bullet, it’s a valuable second line of defence. Our first line of defence is making sure that we’re all washing our hands, wearing face coverings, and following Government guidance on social distancing.
The Prime Minister has taken the very difficult decision to introduce new national restrictions, to protect the public, because the virus was spreading too quickly. Unfortunately, Diwali falls in the lockdown period, which means that celebrations can’t happen as they usually would, and many will be unable to visit family and friends at a time when it feels most important. It will be extremely difficult to say no to parents and elders, but it is imperative that we don’t give the virus the opportunity to spread further within our cherished communities.
Despite new limitations, the festival is not cancelled. Whilst outdoor firework displays will not be possible and non-essential shops will not be open, individual prayer is still allowed at places of worship and many of us will be able to go and pay our respects on this special day. In fact, the symbol of hope represented by Diwali is more relevant than ever for the whole country.
I feel hopeful about the prospect of an upcoming vaccine. I feel hopeful about the potential of the mass testing pilot in Liverpool that’s continuing this week and what it may mean for the rest of the country. And I continue to feel hopeful and proud about how everyone across the country is responding and continuing to play their part.
We know the Indian community has been disproportionately affected by the virus. Lockdown may feel like an extension of this, but it is, in fact, a circle of protection for us all. We still want everyone to be able to celebrate Diwali, but instead of in-person gatherings, we’re urging people to come together through voice and video calls and posting cards and gifts. Everyone can still dress up at home, make favourite foods, and do Rangoli. Everyone can still engage in private prayer. Everyone can still honour this festival. However, we cannot and should not meet one another in person. In this sacrifice will be an embedded expression of love and care for our family and friends who we are protecting by keeping at a distance.
I’m looking forward to the future, when I hope people will be able to celebrate these important festivals together again. Easter, Eid, Rosh Hashana, Vaisakhi, Diwali: these festivals have existed for centuries and will continue to do so. This year we’re just commemorating them differently, and we’re doing it for each other.
Baroness Dido Harding is the Head of the NHS Test and Trace programme and acting chair of the National Institute for Health Protection.
