“It’s desperate that we have had to enter a third lockdown – but this seems to be the nature of Covid: the moment you think it’s under control, up pops a mutation which makes Tier 4 unworkable.  But with the expectation that the first four groups of the population most vulnerable to Covid will be vaccinated by mid to the end of February, there is now a clear end to all this misery” says Michael Fabricant.

“I currently expect mass vaccinations to start in Lichfield and Burntwood from central locations sometime next week using the Oxford/Astra-Zeneca vaccine.  These will be GP lead.  It is important that you do not contact your GP for the vaccine:  they will contact you.  A very useful guide as to when you might be vaccinated can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait/why-you-have-to-wait-for-your-covid-19-vaccine

“With the high rate of contagion of this new Covid, it is essential that we all stick to the rules.  If we go out for a walk with a friend – no more than two are allowed to exercise together – don’t invite them in for a warming coffee.  The virus thrives in confined places.  And it’s against the law.

“And remember that Covid, unlike flu and colds, infects up to one in three people with no symptoms.  Yet it is as contagious as if you did have symptoms.  It is young people, among others, feeling perfectly well who are unwittingly spreading the disease.

“We will see an end to this.  But in the meantime, we must all demonstrate the sense of community and spirit that our region is so well known for.”