THANKS FOR STANDING TOGETHER
■ City leaders’ praise frontline workers, volunteers and residents as Sunderland fights pandemic
Sunderland’s leaders have thanked the city for standing together during the coronavirus crisis.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, and chief executive Patrick Melia, have said since the lockdown was introduced, Sunderland has stood together in a united effort to protect communities from the risk posed by COVID-19.
As the UK moves into week seven of lockdown, the two chiefs have told the Sunderland Echo of their thanks for the collective effort that is saving lives in the city.
“Crises like this are–thank fully–very rare. For too many of our residents though, it has been a shattering six-weeks, in which their world has been changed forever by the loss of a loved one,” said Coun Miller.
“We will never forget those who have been taken by this virus and the city grieves collectively for those we have lost too soon. Through the grey clouds, there have been glimmers of light.
“From NHS staff, to care workers; from our emergency services to our waste collection teams; from shop workers to bus drivers, so often forgotten, but who are keeping the wheels turning and the city moving.
“And our incredible volunteers – more than 1,000 people who are working with the council as we direct support to those who need it most; the businesses giving their time to help; from restaurateurs distributing meals to the manufacturersmaking PP E and vital equipment. It’s truly been a whole-city effort.”
Mr Melia added: “We are doing all we can to our support businesses during this crisis.
“More than 3,000 payments, totalling close to £35million, have been made from the Small Business Grant Fund, and our Business Investment Team is working round the clock to assist companies .
“It’s been a tough time, and there is further to go. We all have a role to play in that, including the Sunderland Echo, which has been a force for good during these testing times, keeping residents informed and spreading some muchneeded positivity.
“I want to pay tribute to residents in Sunderland who have done their bit by staying at home. This is a battle we must all fight – and we must stay the course and remain at home to ensure the fight so far has not been in vain.
“We will beat this virus together and emerge from it more resilient – and that will be the legacy of those we have lost along the way.”