THE LEADER of Coventry Council has issued a rallying call to everyone in the city to play their part in making sure the city can return to Tier 2 when the England-wide lockdown ends on December 2.
Coun George Duggins said Coventry could then work towards Tier 1 and a more normal way of life.
His calls came as the second national lockdown got under way, with him urging residents and businesses to follow the guidelines, stay safe and help the city ‘return to better times’.
He said: “The people, businesses and organisations of this city made a tremendous effort in the first lockdown and responded so well to everything that was asked of them.
“Unfortunately, COVID has not gone away, and this second lockdown will undoubtably cause disruption and in some cases hardship to many, and once again we must adapt.
“We have to look on this time as an opportunity to protect the health of the population and bring virus rates down.
“Containing the spread and reducing the direct health impact of the virus is critical if we are going to emerge from these restrictions a strong and healthy city.”
The lockdown, which began on Thursday, has seen pubs, leisure centres and hospitality venues close their doors, along with non-essential shops and attractions in the city.
People are being advised to stay home as much as possible and observe social distancing when they have to leave the house for things such as food shopping or exercise.
Many Coventry City Council services, such as waste services and social care, will continue to operate as normal throughout the lockdown period.
Coun Duggins said: “I want to thank our staff who, like people across the city, have been magnificent throughout this pandemic and will continue to deliver the services people in this city rely on.
“But everyone who lives, works and studies in our city must make sure they understand and follow the new restrictions.
“We must look after one another and protect the most vulnerable.
“In doing so, we can also support those who are working so hard to keep us safe and keep our city working – our NHS staff, our bin crews, those in our schools and care homes, and all the many people who are bravely continuing their work at this time.
“The Government must play their part as well and must use the following weeks of lockdown to make sure they deliver the world-beating Track and Trace that they promised back in May.”
Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information.
