Dear resident,
After close discussions between local leaders and the national health team, it has been announced that our area will move from Local COVID Alert Level Medium to Local COVID Alert Level High from 00.01 Saturday 31 October. This follows recent increases in local infections and hospitalisation rates in our area.
I know that these restrictions have been decided upon with a heavy heart by those involved, and I completely understand the frustration of local residents. Like many, I have to cancel and change my plans to follow the guidance and I will really miss seeing my family. However, it is indeed the case that something has to be done to manage our local infection and hospitalisation numbers.
With that in mind, I have put together a post on Facebook explaining the key changes that will be in place tomorrow, and the list of support contacts that is available to residents. Do have a look and do share it around if you believe that it may be helpful for your friends and family.
I have also provided a 'Business Update' on what local businesses should know and expect with the new restrictions in place. If you own a business please have a look at my latest update, and I would also urge you to make the best use out of the Chancellor's Winter Economy Package that will be in place next week to support your employees. I will continue to ask North Lincs Council to provide more clarity with regards to rules and expectations and will provide a further Business Update once I hear back from them.
Whilst I have lost a dear friend, and have had family members affected by this virus I am keenly aware that the impact of this pandemic extends beyond those who are directly infected. This is why I will continue with my campaign for the resumption of health services and regular (non covid-related) testing etc for residents. Many have already written in detail their experiences and I was able to make some progress having made representations on their behalf. If you have trouble accessing healthcare please get in touch with me directly and we can work together on this.
After a period of 'relative normality,' I am aware of the impact of the current situation on our mental health, in part due to the isolation and loneliness we are in. This is why I have put in my Facebook post a list of charities that are there to provide mental health support for those with different needs. We need to be able to talk about mental health and to encourage those in need to get help, and to support each other if needed.
I would like to once again ask residents to channel the spirit of community and generosity that our country has displayed during this crisis. Now more than ever it is important for us to help each other, and perhaps give our friends and neighbours a call to make sure that they are ok.
Things will get better, and having successfully pushed for a regular fortnightly review of our 'Tier 2' status I am hopeful that our community can work together to drive down infection and hospitalisation rates so that we can collectively defeat the virus and get back to how things used to be. My team and I will continue to do our best to support residents, so please get in touch directly if there is anything we can do to help.
Take care and stay safe,
Holly