So – what we were told would definatly not happen two weeks ago has now happened – we are plunged into a second national lockdown.
But whatever your views of the rights and wrongs – this second one will be very different to the first. For a start – we are not heading into the unknown – we know we can make it through because we have before. Secondly not everything is shut down this time around – schools, GP surgeries, chiropractors, opticians and dentists can all remain open. In addition lots more of our cafes and bars are doing takeaway food and drink. And all essential shops will be open – so no need for panic buying of toilet rolls this time around.
In addition the Leader of East Suffolk Council has confirmed that key council services will also continue despite the new restrictions
Some changes and adaptations have been made to ensure that the Council adheres to the new guidelines, however the priority remains that services continue to be delivered as normally as possible while also supporting efforts to reduce the virus in East Suffolk and the wider county.
So, while the Leisure Centres have unfortunately had to close temporarily in line with government guidelines, waste collections are to continue as normal, public conveniences will remain open and grounds maintenance will not be affected. In addition, the Housing Maintenance team will continue to carry out routine and emergency repairs – whilst abiding by the Government guidelines – as will essential Building Control and Environmental Health activities.
East Suffolk Council is also supporting the county-wide Home But Not Alone scheme which has now restarted, offering a freephone telephone number for vulnerable people who may be struggling during the pandemic. The telephone number is freephone 0800 876 6926 and is available between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
The East Suffolk Communities Team and volunteers will be responding to any enquiries, having previously supported and provided assistance to hundreds of people during the initial lockdown.
The Council will also help administer and distribute any further funding which is made available for businesses, details of which they hope to receive from the Government shortly.
Full details of how services are affected can be found at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/covid-19.
Meanwhile it is important to remember that figures have been relatively low in this part of the country even before the implementation of the new lockdown. So there is no need for another round of ‘project fear’. Below are some comparisons to the figures for the whole of England measured by cases per 100,000 people
Previous week week up to 1/11
England 228.5 229.4
Ipswich 93.5 84
West Suffolk 103.9 79.9
Colchester 132 98.1
Babergh 91.3 76.1
East Suffolk 59.7 50.5
Figures up to October 27th show 72 beds occupied by covid cases over our three main hospitals – 5.4% of capacity
