Easter 2021 – Cautious steps towards normality?

For many, Easter signifies the start of spring. This year more than any other, it’s important to put down strong roots to support our growth.

While we associate Easter more with roast lamb, anthropomorphic bunny rabbits and eating one’s body weight in chocolate than the religious aspects of the holiday, the underlying theme of Easter is one of rebirth and second comings. As a nation, we’re not particularly religious nowadays, but this notion of rebirth has particular importance outside of the religious connotations when it comes to our current predicament.

Our country is at a crossroads

We’re gently moving out of a long national lockdown that has seen covid cases tumble and vaccination numbers soar. With the recent relaxation of restrictions, many of us have been able to see friends and family we haven’t seen since early winter (albeit from the comfort of our gardens). The opening of much of our catering and hospitality sector is on the horizon and the dream of being able to get back to the business of weddings, concerts and general shindigs no longer seems like a distant pipe dream.

With all that in mind, there are two roads before us. The first is where the country plunges head-first into doing all the things we’ve been unable to do since lockdown began, operating with reckless abandon. The second is a cautious approach. Caution means abiding by the guidelines, continuing to be safe and sensible, and accepting that while we can do more than we could under lockdown, we aren’t yet at the finish line.

Two roads to choose from

The road we choose will determine the nature of our rebirth coming out from the lockdown. On one hand, we could see the return of restrictions, a burgeoning infection rate and yet further time spent in the grip of the crisis. On the other, with a cautious approach we could see the return of life as it once was (or a new and improved version).

What that means for our industry

Most industries have had to change their working processes due to the pandemic and those operating in the built environment are no different. Construction projects have seen lengthy delays, worksites have had to adapt to make work spaces covid safe and commercial property investment has slowed to a crawl.

Luma and many other agencies like ours have been fortunate enough to be able to work completely remotely since restrictions started. Granted this is small fish compared to the effects the pandemic has had on, say, the hospitality sector, but it doesn’t come without its headaches.

With this in mind, the hunger for life to return to normal is understandable. But by playing the long game and not doing too much too soon, we’re speeding up the long process of getting back to normality. By sticking to the prudent measures we’ve all put in place across our workforces, we’re setting ourselves up to start reaping the rewards of our patience and resilience.

Throughout the lockdowns we’ve laid down strong roots for a 2021 that’s safe, forward looking and hopeful. Let’s not ruin it now.