I know everyone is feeling pretty deflated by the latest lockdown announcement, but we must do all we can to keep this virus from spreading.
This is scary stuff. We have been watching with growing concern the cases rocket across the country and have listened to reports of hospitals becoming overwhelmed.
We are doing all we can to keep the city running, to ensure our parks are enjoyable for your daily exercise and we are mobilising our Care for Plymouth scheme so that our vulnerable get the help they need.
We are also working flat out to make sure businesses get the grants they are entitled to.
But I am asking you all to do your bit and to keep in mind that your family and your friends are all at risk of catching this hideous virus.
I know people in Plymouth will get behind these latest national measures and do the right thing to save lives and protect the NHS.
The lockdown has, in many ways, made things simpler.
Everyone must stay at home where at all possible. Our schools and colleges have closed their doors (except to children of critical workers and vulnerable children) but staff are working hard to keep young minds open and inspired. As many parents know from the first lockdown, this is not easy.
We are lucky to live somewhere with no shortage of green – or blue – space. We can leave the house for exercise and there are plenty of parks, nature reserves and open spaces right here in Plymouth to walk in.
I want to end on a thank-you to everyone who has done a great job in helping to stop the virus spreading so far. If we keep following the guidance, we can help lower the transmission rates. We also have the prospect of a vaccine on the near horizon.
We can do this.
