Pandemic restrictions have been an unwelcome but necessary intervention in everyday life.
Lockdown was required last year because, in the absence of a vaccine, the virus would have preyed on even more of our most vulnerable citizens.
Without severely limiting interactions with other people, the Covid death toll would have been far higher.
However, restrictions have created fresh problems that will be difficult to fix in the long run.
School closures have played havoc with education and the pausing of childcare services also had a negative impact.
An expert Scottish Government group has now raised the alarm about the price paid by young children.
They cited fears that key developmental milestones in areas such as communication have already been missed.
The advisers also warned of a rise in obesity among five-year-olds and pointed to parent and baby clubs staying closed.
This is concerning as studies have shown the importance of the early years in a child’s life. Getting this wrong can lead to inequalities that are difficult to wipe out.
The Scottish Government should not shirk from taking tough decisions to protect people from this horrible virus.
But it is equally true that children have suffered during the pandemic and resources need to be reprioritised in this area.
We urgently need catch-up plans for kids who have missed out to ensure there are no more lost generations.
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