| Good evening, While politicians seem to be playing down the impact of the Indian variant of the Covid-19 virus, someone somewhere is a little worried. Why else would the Government be throwing £12m at plans to help stop the spread by increasing help given to those who are finding it difficult to self-isolate? Local authority areas being given cash include Blackpool and Lancashire and the hope is that people who live in overcrowded houses will be given alternative accommodation if they have caught the virus so they don’t come in contact with others and increase the spread in the community. The scheme will also offer more social care help to vulnerable adults and a buddying service for those who are struggling with their mental health. All of this points to the fact that some people can’t or won’t follow the rules on self-isolation if they test positive for the virus and therefore risk it spreading further. The new scheme is certainly worth a try. If we are going to be in a position to further remove restrictions by June 21, we need to be sure the virus - and all its variants - are under control. Contact me at gillian.parkinson@jpimedia.co.uk Until next time, take care Gillian Parkinson Editor Lancashire Post and Associate Editor Blackpool Gazette | 
