Opinion: ‘We need to remember what’s at stake’

It’s fantastic to see our city coming back to life, after the struggles of lockdown. Our restaurants and pubs are serving again. Our schools have reopened.

But we cannot become complacent. The virus is still among us. And thankfully while the number of deaths has not increased – infection rates have risen. That is why regrettably the new ban on gatherings of more than six people is needed from Monday.

Most of Greater Manchester is in a form of local lockdown, along with Blackburn, Preston, Bradford and Leicester. A lack of social-distancing in those areas caused covid-19 to resurface and the Government was forced to act.

We need to remember what’s at stake. Peterborough is on an infection watchlist because of our ongoing rate of new local cases.

More testing will obviously reveal more cases. It’s still low, but not low enough. It horrifies me that all our progress could be lost – that in the worst-case scenario we could see our city centre closed and people trapped at home again, just as we are starting to recover our freedom.

Some would be quick to point fingers if that happens. But I have seen tremendous work from many different communities and leaders in our city.

Businesses and places of work have adapted well. The hospitality industry has gone the extra mile.

Churches, temples and mosques have been brilliant. I have seen the way they have adapted with my own eyes.

Evidence is emerging that it is perhaps younger people who may need to be particularly vigilant. I don’t like labelling and singling out one group.

But a reminder is always useful. Younger people aren’t at much personal risk, but they can’t act without due care.

Coronavirus won’t trouble most of us for more than a few days, probably in a mild form. But it could seriously harm (or worse) people we love.

We must do our best to follow the guidance. I know it’s not easy. A local lockdown in Peterborough would be a disaster. Imagine the impact on businesses, the empty streets and the isolation.

We went through this before when it was necessary. Repeating all this for a second time is entirely avoidable. We just need to be sensible and do our bit. Wearing a mask and washing our hands isn’t difficult. Keeping a sensible distance when meeting up with friends might feel strange, but it’s not that hard. Not holding house parties is better than the alternative. It’s worth repeating the message being put out by Peterborough City Council this week:

• Observe social distancing rules where possible when with people not in your household – those you don’t live with all the time.

• Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.

• If you go to a shop or shopping centre or need to share transport wear a face covering.

• If you have symptoms get a test.

• If you test positive or if you’ve been a close contact of someone who has – self isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.

As the council says, it’s no good following the guidance at work if we don’t follow it at home and in our free time.

We can’t afford to get complacent.

Peterborough has got through the pandemic as one city, all communities and generations working together.

Let’s remember the rules, stick to them and stick together.