Frontline staff deserve thanks, not abuse

We have witnessed across the country grand gestures, where people have been pausing at 8pm to appreciate essential health care workers, with some stepping outside to clap on front porches or balconies.

Others have festooned their houses and streets with thank you’s, posters, lights and using chalked messages on the pavements and walls.

More and more, we are beginning to realise, our communities are dependent on so many different men and women to look after our wellbeing. Despite all of their hard work and dedication, rather than a well done it appears that a number are verbally attacked and insulted.

We need a huge show of support to all employees for their dedication, starting early in the morning and ending late into the night to serve us.

So how do we thank the essential workers who remain out in the world, exposing themselves to greater risk of contracting the coronavirus, so that we can buy our groceries, receive our mail, travel by public transportation and get health care if we need it? Simply by being polite and accepting that there are restrictions on all of us that need to be complied with.

In addition, there is a totally unknown army of volunteers, neighbours and friends that are caring for society as a whole. Their work and generosity is essential, guiding, supporting and helping those who need attention beyond our own.

As unpaid volunteers, the status of their work is not where it should be, with no or minimal rewards. We want to thank you for your patience, hard work and good intentions. Remember that many families are grateful that you exist.

We are in difficult and challenging times that is not going to end soon. All of you providing support for others deserve appreciation.

Cllrs Gary Etheridge, Elizabeth Turpin and John Williams