Harborough council leader's powerful coronavirus message to people – stay at home and save lives

Harborough council leader Phil King has today sent a powerful coronavirus message to people – stay at home and save lives.

Cllr King warned people have a simple choice – do the right thing or risk condemning thousands to a premature death.

The council chief made his impassioned plea as the UK was locked down by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night.

Cllr King, who leads Harborough District Council, told the Harborough Mail: “This is a national crisis.

“We all have to work together and support each other.

“It’s easy and straightforward – follow the Prime Minister’s advice and do as he says.”

The Conservative councillor stressed: “We all have to stay at home unless you have to go out to shop for food.

“We have to stay at home to stop spreading the virus and endangering other people – including, of course, our brilliant NHS staff.

“We have to do this for our sake and for other people’s sake – especially the elderly and vulnerable.

“Or we will face the prospect of thousands of people being put at risk of a tragically early death.”

Cllr King also insisted that people across Harborough must stay at least two metres away from each other.

“You’ve got to maintain the proper social distance.

“And if you don’t the Government will impose a compulsory situation which will be even more severe than the one we’ve got now,” he warned.

“My sense is that people in Harborough are responding to the rules pretty well with one or two little glitches here and there.

“The vast majority of our people are law-abiding citizens and will act sensibly in these very difficult times.

“We are also recruiting volunteers to work with us and the VASL charity to help people like the elderly, vulnerable and those who are self-isolating.

“We are appealing for people to come forward to get behind and support our fantastic local community.

“Let us unite and do what ever we can to avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering.”

Cllr King’s blunt message was backed by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien told the Mail: “The position could not be clearer.

“We have to remain at home for our good and the good of society as a whole.

“Don’t be stupid or selfish – don’t go out unless you absolutely have to.”

The MP, whose wife Jemma is a doctor, added: “We have to think of everyone and we have to put the NHS first.

“Our brilliant NHS staff must stay well – for their sakes and for all our sakes.

“Going out and mixing and not keeping our social distance risks giving health workers the coronavirus – and that’s not acceptable.”

Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “This is an unprecedented time for everyone across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“The challenge we’re facing is like no other in our 180-year history.

“We are continuing to work flat out – both to deal with incidents relating to the coronavirus and everyday policing issues.

“However, this is a challenge we, as a united community, can overcome.”

The county’s most senior police officer again implored people to stay at home.

“Government guidance states you should only leave home for essential shopping, any medical needs and travelling to and from work if absolutely necessary.

“You should only leave to undertake one form of exercise a day and not congregate in groups of more than two people.

“Our policing is based on talking to you – the people in our communities – and listening to your thoughts and concerns,” said Mr Cole. “This is something we will continue to do as I firmly believe it is the best approach.

“Our officers will have the power to disperse groups in order to assist with social distancing.

“But don’t be alarmed.

“These are powers that have been available to us for some time and are commonplace, particularly at weekends when we’re policing the night-time economy.

“The process is exactly the same.

“The only thing that’s changed is the circumstances in which they can be used.

“If you don’t co-operate, you do run the risk of a fine.

“But it’s easily avoidable.

“Please, co-operate with us, our partner agencies and with one another and we will get through this together.”