Harborough councillor urges people to 'spread the word not Covid-19' as the rate of infection seriously escalates across Leicestershire

A leading Harborough councillor is urging people to “spread the word not Covid-19” as the rate of infection has seriously escalated across Leicestershire.

Cllr Phil Knowles branded the latest figures “horrifying” as he called on people throughout Harborough to beat the virus with Christmas looming.

He spoke out as community leaders backed calls for a united effort to “drive down coronavirus rates” across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Updated data shows that the Covid-19 rate is currently running at 360 per 100,000 people across Leicestershire – well above the national figure for England of 250.

“The latest statistics are horrifying.

“We all have to appreciate that as we approach the end of the current national lockdown on December 2 it’s not the green light to forget everything and do what we like,” insisted Cllr Knowles, who leads the Liberal Democrat group on Harborough council.

“We have to continue observing the hand, face and space rules – wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance.

“We all have to stress the acute importance of these basic rules to everyone – especially younger people in the 17-21-year-old group.

“Covid is a killer – and it kills people of all ages.

“It doesn’t discriminate.

“My message to people in Harborough is simple – spread the word, don’t spread the virus,” said the veteran health campaigner.

“Enjoy the festive season, enjoy Christmas.

“But don’t go mad.

“Because if we do and we forget to observe the very basic but very crucial Covid rules we will all pay a horrific price in the New Year.

“I’d exhort schools and colleges to implore students to do what ever they can to stay safe – and keep their families, friends and the NHS safe too.

“Everybody – please lead by example.

“It is not heroic to go marching into a shop without wearing a mask.

“The coronavirus pandemic has already had a massive impact on our local economy – on jobs, on hospitality, on traders.

“Many of our fine local businesses are already on their knees.

“Let us all unite to beat Covid now.

“I do fear that we might get tipped over into the higher Tier 2 or even Tier 3 when the announcement’s made on Thursday (November 26) – making it so much harder for everyone here.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel with the promise of new effective vaccines to stamp out this virus for good.

“So let’s knuckle down and work together in Harborough to push back this deadly illness over the next few weeks until we can all get vaccinated.”

Meanwhile, Leicestershire’s Lord Lieutenant Mike Kapur is launching a mission asking people to do their bit.

“I find the situation in Leicester and Leicestershire very worrying, because infection rates aren’t going down.

“This is putting our families and friends at risk – not just from contracting this horrible virus, but also by making it harder on the NHS,” said Mike.

“Together we can stop the virus in its tracks by staying at home as much as we can - and taking great care about the risks we take if we do leave the house.

“We must take this virus seriously.”

The 10-day drive will feature GPs, faith leaders, local politicians, headteachers, taxi drivers and others.

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Martyn Snow, has joined with other faith leaders, Resham Singh Sandu, Suleman Nagdi and Manjula Sood, in a video message.

Bishop Martyn said: “In Leicester and Leicestershire we stand together in hope.

“Let’s keep each other safe and persevere in hope.”

Cllr Pam Posnett, chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said: “We can all play our part by remaining at home whenever possible, and by limiting the risks we take.”

Erin Gill, director of M&M Cabs Ltd in Leicester, said: “Enough is enough with this virus.

“We’re doing our bit – can you do yours?”

Cases in Leicestershire alone have quadrupled since early October – and they are well above the national average, warned the county council.