Stephen Wales
THE trouble with covid is that it continues to challenge us in ways that are totally alien to us – it challenges our very freedoms – those basic things we hold dear and those we take for granted – our families, our personal space and fundamental rights.
Unfortunately, the pandemics effects on our daily lives are far reaching and it has no regard for our hopes, wishes and dreams.
Weddings, christenings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations – all are pushed into the uncertain and everchanging world of the latest official Government covid response to the R number and test results.
People appear daily on TV or social media with the shattering effects of the latest regulations on their businesses / employment / holiday plans / education /football season etc. Our complex and interconnected lives are being left in disarray by this virus.
Mayor of Leek
The fact is that this is a serious virus and as we approach the winter, we should now all play our part in suppressing its transmission here in the Moorlands.
We are not a densely populated area, and this is in our favour – as is our direct access to the open countryside and parks.
The way forward is uncertain and that itself can be disconcerting, but we must step forward and with a sense of determination.
The wearing of face masks is now becoming universally accepted as way to slow down the transmission and frankly for most people it is not a great inconvenience.
The daily encounters we all have with each other can also have a positive side too, by being optimistic and supportive to each other we can lessen the psychological pressure we all feel from time to time. A friendly word is worth its weight in gold right now.
The flu season is approaching and this year it is vital that the effects of flu are taken seriously.
The combination of covid and flu is potentially serious and not one that anyone wants to have. The flu jabs are now becoming available to many more on the NHS and it makes a lot of sense to gain some added protection.
So we can all do our bit in these small ways, get that flu jab, wear a mask and reduce your personal interactions with others, remember to wash your hands and use sanitising gels throughout the day and finally – please keep your distance – it is very disconcerting when someone else is in your personal space.
We owe this much and more to the NHS medical staff and carers who have carried on, the workers in our shops delivering our basic needs week in week out, delivery drivers at our doors, and regular waste disposal services – the list is endless and we owe it to all of them and each other to “Keep Calm and Carry On”.
We have come this far in what is a war against a common enemy and we will be safer and stronger if we all pull together.
There is simply no alternative and some sacrifices will be needed.
These are a small price to pay if we are to control the virus until a vaccine is available. It is essential we all play our part in helping to protect ourselves, our families and of course the wider community.
As the bunting and union flags come down across Leek, we start to reflect on how we approach Christmas.
It is impossible to consider the traditional Leek Christmas Lights switch on event in the current circumstances.
The huge attendances for this biggest of Leeks events make it prohibitive in these times. However, the seasonal lights will go up and will brighten the town for all of us.