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Please read this important statement from the Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread.
Let’s stop the spread
So far in this second national lockdown, it is apparent that too many people in our district are refusing to follow the rules.
Not enough people are wearing masks, social distancing, or isolating themselves when they have the disease. On social media we read a stream of Covid-sceptic comments and anger at those people trying to get the scientific messages across.
I know that people are tired of the restrictions. We do not give up our personal freedoms and liberties lightly!
However, the situation here in Epping Forest is serious; we have consistently had the highest infection rates in Essex throughout 2020 and the most recent statistics show that Covid continues to be rife in our community.
To suppress the spread of the virus we must stay at home, only leaving home when we have to, and always in accordance with the government guidelines.
Those who continue to bend or break the rules now have a choice. Help us to reduce the infection rate back to something nearer the Essex average by 2 December or risk an extended lockdown through Christmas.
Not everyone is breaking the rules. I want to thank everyone who is taking the precautions seriously. Your sacrifices are saving lives and helping the recovery.
But it’s up to each and every one of us.
Let the infection rate rise through your behaviour and let the virus spread – but do so in the knowledge that you will be prolonging the pain of closed shops, gyms, pubs and restaurants – greater restrictions on seeing family and friends over Christmas, filling Princess Alexandra and Whipps Cross hospitals with more Covid patients, and attending more funerals.
The choice really is yours.
Councillor Chris Whitbread
Leader – Epping Forest District Council
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