“IT’S in our hands and we’re now running out of time” – that’s the message from Councillor Ian Courts as the rate of Covid-19 infections, and deaths, continues to increase.
That’s the message from the Leader of Solihull Borough Council.
“To put it in figures, on August 28, our rate was 6.5 cases per 100,000 of population and there were 14 new cases that week.
“In the last seven days, we have had 349 cases and we are now at 166 per 100,000.
“Every single ward in Solihull now has a rate above 50 per 100,000 (and most are much, much higher) and increasing.
“Nowhere in the borough is immune from the virus.”
He added that local hospitals were filling up too with this month claiming the lives of two residents to Covid-19, the first since the summer.
“So I am extremely alarmed by the complacency I sometimes see around me,” said Coun Courts.
“People not social distancing and not wearing face coverings, alongside an attitude of ‘basically everything is all right, although it may be getting a bit worse. But don’t worry though.’
“We all need to pass on the message to others, including our younger people, that we must all take action to protect against the virus spreading.
“The siren calls for another lockdown are to be expected and I have lobbied against this as I don’t think we can cope with more restrictions either socially or economically. However, the spread of the virus is becoming too great and we may have no choice.
“Don’t let households mix indoors and, quite frankly, in my opinion, whatever the ‘rules’ say, we need to minimise / avoid interaction with other households in any situation, whether in gardens or anywhere else.
“Let’s limit the opportunity for the spread of the virus. If you have symptoms, please do the right thing, get tested and self-isolate.”
He added that to help our local economy support for businesses would be ramped up, including those in the hospitality sector through Solihull Chamber, Solihull BID and VisitKnowle.
“Finally, more people are wearing face coverings, but again it should, in my opinion, be the norm outside your home – if reusable please wash them regularly – if not dispose of them safely in bins or take them home and put them in the waste. (They seem to be becoming the new ‘plastic bags’ in our countryside and in our waterways).
“Please keep doing the right thing for Solihull, wash your hands, cover your face and keep your distance.”
