Strong message but will it hit home?

Council leaders have sent a powerful message to the Government in their opposition to being placed on the ‘very high’ covid alert, but it means little in the current climate.

There is, worryingly, no consensus on what is the best course of action to combat this virus.

The Government favours the whackamole approach of enforcing restrictions where they think infection rates are getting out of hand, while Labour leader Keir Starmer wants a national circuit breaker, locking everywhere down for a fortnight or longer. And, as we reveal today, North East council leaders want to stay at Tier 2 restrictions because they believe they are working, but just need more time.

We sincerely hope they are right in their assessment. While there have been huge hints that Tier 3 may well be coming our way, nothing concrete has been confirmed. Let’s hope it stays that way.

As appears to be the norm in this pandemic, confusion reigns.

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon, who confirmed the collective opposition to Tier 3 restrictions, said: “There’s a bit of confusion about what the Government is looking at, we think it is based on the number of cases in over-60s. It would be helpful if they would clarify that.” Not helpful, essential.

It would be an even greater help if all parties worked together and agreed on a suitable course of action based on evidence. It’s all people want.

Words are all very well, but they are no defence against this virus. Only actions producing life-saving results matter. Let’s see them.