'Covid-19 preys on complacency': Council leaders react to new lockdown
Council leaders in the region have been reacting after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a third lockdown for England.
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said: "Obviously, it's very disappointing that we find ourselves in another lockdown, but we are so close to defeating this awful pandemic and, to date, the people of Dudley have been absolutely tremendous.
"This has been reflected in the lowest figures within the Black Country and Birmingham for infections per 100,000, so the people of Dudley are doing their bit.
"We just have to go that little bit further as a nation just for the next couple of months while they roll out the vaccine and, hopefully, with the vaccine protecting the most vulnerable and suppressing the virus during the next three to four weeks, we can find a way out of this for the springtime and get back to living a normal life.
"During lockdown, we will be providing the same help that we have been providing during the pandemic, such as relaxing car parking charges, which are important for shoppers and for staff working in town centres.
"We'll also look at rent rates for market stall holders and other businesses and help distribute the £5 million-worth of business grants to local businesses.
"Obviously, we're looking to see what assistance is available through the government and if this is provided, then it's down to us to try and distribute it as quickly and efficiently as possible."
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said the country and the county were now at a critical point after a surge of cases as the new more infectious strain of the Covid virus swept England.
He said: “Many people have already sacrificed so much and this will be devastating news for our residents, businesses and schools. However, despite the Tier 4 restrictions, cases are continuing to rise and the Government has decided that a third lockdown is needed to help the NHS becoming overwhelmed by this virus once again.
“While nobody wants to see further restrictions imposed, it is clear that Covid-19 preys on complacency. So our message is clear. Please act now and think of the impact of you spreading the virus may have not just on you, but on your family, your friends, your colleagues and your community
“As a county council, our focus will remain on providing the best support for residents and businesses most in need. We now need the support of people who live and work in Staffordshire like never before to see us to a time when the promise of the vaccines can be fully delivered and their benefits truly felt.”
Maria Crompton, interim leader of Sandwell Council, said: "I cannot see if there is any other alternative to be honest.
"I thought the only course of action would be a lockdown. I'm not certain whether it will be a full lockdown or more serious restrictions.
"It will amount to a lockdown more or less from what I am gathering.
"Nothing is working at the moment, you must do something to try and contain it for long enough to be able to get the most vulnerable people, and the people caring for others, doing all the frontline services, to be vaccinated, in order for the country to continue functioning.
"If we don't do something, and all the frontline care services, and the teachers, can't go to work because they are ill, then there is nobody left to look after anybody.
"Until the vaccine is rolled out to the people that are having to do all the caring, and the vulnerable and elderly, what else can you too. There is no alternative to a lockdown."
Councillor Crompton particularly urged young people to follow Covid guidelines, having seen groups of 10 or 15 together.
She said schools have become a "big spreader" of Covid.
"A lot of the spread has come from schools," she said. "Closing schools will make a difference, I feel."
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "As everyone will be only too aware, our fight against Covid-19 is once again reaching crisis point.
"Infection rates are rising rapidly in Wolverhampton because of the discovery of a more contagious variant of the virus. The number of cases in the city has more than doubled in a fortnight; we are testing of thousands of people a day and one in four tests are coming back positive.
"Much as it is the last thing that any of us want, the lockdown measures announced by the Government tonight are desperately needed if we are to get the virus under control again.
“Like we did last March, we must now all stay home unless absolutely necessary and limit our contact with people outside our household as much as possible.
"I am sure many parents who have expressed concern about the prospect of their children returning to school at this time will welcome the fact that schools will move to online learning for the next few weeks.
“I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education expressing serious concern over our city's high rates of Covid-19 and it is right that, for now, our schools remain open only to our most vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers, while continuing to support their other pupils at home.”
He continued: "These continue to be difficult times, but I know our city will get through them. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that Covid-19 vaccines are now being rolled out across the region – and I would urge everyone who is invited to receive it to have it as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, can I thank you again for everything you are doing to stem the spread of this virus; please now continue to play your part by staying at home, protecting our NHS and saving lives."
