Bristol’s community spirit has never been more needed

Following the announcement that the rising cases of coronavirus across the country mean we will go into a month long lockdown starting on Thursday, Green councillors are supporting calls for people across the Bristol to follow new public health guidance to save lives. 

Leader of the Green Councillor Group, Eleanor Combley said:

“Compared to some cities, Bristol saw relatively few cases of coronavirus in the spring, but that’s no longer the case. Our moment of reckoning with this deadly virus is now. This is not a dress rehearsal.

“We saw an upsurge of community support earlier this year, and we need to build on the bonds created then to help each other now. As coronavirus invades our city, Bristol’s community spirit has never been more needed. Our actions today really do impact on how many empty chairs there are round the Christmas tree in years to come. So I ask everyone to follow the guidance from our public health experts to save lives this winter.

“I know many of us are tired, many of us are fed up and many of us are scared. But I also know that Bristol communities have unparalleled strength, resolve and generosity. We need to look after each other now more than ever.

“We are being tested by not only a pandemic, but also a mental health, employment and economic crisis. Times are hard, but they will get better and this really is the moment it counts to do the right thing.

“So say no to that friend who says it won’t matter if you all pop round for the evening – meet them 1-to-1 for a walk outdoors instead where the virus is less likely to spread. Remember to keep an eye out for any neighbour or friend who might be lonely or isolated – give them a ring and make sure they know they can call you if they need anything. Help out those in your neighbourhood who need to self-isolate because they may have been exposed to someone with symptoms, so they won’t take a risk and nip to the shops before it is safe.

“And keep doing all those sensible things that have become almost boring: keep your distance from staff or other shoppers, wash your hands when you get to work or home, go back for your mask when you get to the end of the street and realise you’ve forgotten it. The action you take now really could save someone’s life.”

Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

New guidance on restrictions coming in on 5^th Nov here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november