Today is the first day a new national lockdown begins because of the Government having to make one of the hardest decisions in response to rising cases of Covid-19.
No Government and no Prime Minister wants to take away any freedoms from its people and so while this situation is less than desirable, it is wholly necessary in these extraordinary times.
Here in Somerset, we have escaped the worst of the pandemic with consistently low case numbers. However, there have been small rises in recent weeks and the reason this lockdown must occur here is to protect the brilliant workers in the NHS, so our hospitals do not become overwhelmed.
There are, of course, many contrasting opinions on whether this is the right course of action, but we must all stick together throughout the next four weeks, so we can return to the local tiered system and be able to enjoy some sort of normality.
I have been humbled once again by the hard work of so many in the Wells constituency to support local businesses and the most vulnerable ahead of these challenging weeks ahead and if the county sticks together as it did back in March, we will come out of this stronger.
Also, this week I do want to mention Remembrance Sunday which takes place this weekend. While plans for parades – and now ceremonies – have had to be adjusted or cancelled, I do hope we can still all take a moment to remember the sacrifice our service men and women made in the Second World War, as well as those who continue to serve and sacrifice to defend our nation.
While we may not be able to give them the recognition they deserve this year in the traditional way, we can ensure we each take a moment to remember their bravery and thank our current Armed Forces personnel for all they are doing to help the country through this pandemic and beyond.
