Right now, Covid is devastating our communities, and I am desperately worried about the further lives that will be lost. This crisis has now become an emergency. I believe this could have been avoided if restrictions had been put in place earlier and if those rules, which apply to us all, were respected by all.  

The terrible pressure on our NHS is creating so much more stress, anxiety and risk for the nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, porters, and so many more who have no choice but to work on the frontlines to save lives. I know it is not enough, but I want to say thank you to them with all my heart. 

I live in the community, and so I know that the rules are being breached daily by those who are simply being selfish. This must stop. We need to think about the impact of our actions on our neighbours and our families, and stay home whenever possible to protect them. Nothing else matters at the moment. We can celebrate together and see others when this is over. 

I would also like to ask everyone who is given the opportunity for a vaccine to take it as soon as possible. The vaccination programme is our way out of these strict restrictions, which I know are of huge concern to many employees, business owners, and self-employed people, as well as limiting the lives of us all in ways we do not welcome. 

The only way we can protect our loved ones, our community, and our NHS is by following the rules. Please, please stay home whenever you can, stay safe, and keep well.