'Please do not go out and mix to celebrate the New Year' - message from health campaigners in Harborough

A veteran health campaigner is imploring people across Harborough to be sensible and stay safe at New Year as the Covid-19 crisis deepens.

Cllr Phil Knowles sent out his heartfelt plea as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to decide in the next 24 hours or so if areas like Harborough are lifted into the highest coronavirus Tier 4 zone as cases of infection climb again.

“I’d just like to make a very simple but powerful appeal to thousands of people all over Harborough as indeed to many millions up and down the country.

“Please do all you can to stay safe and stay healthy this New Year.

“We are not out of the woods yet by a long chalk,” warned Cllr Knowles, who heads up Harborough council’s Liberal Democrats.

“We all know that mutations of this terrible virus are making it even more dangerous, posing even more of a lethal threat to life and limb.

“So it’s even more critical that we all follow the rules.

“I bow to no one in my admiration for the NHS and scientists who have created life-saving vaccines in such a short time.

“They have been brilliant.

“But the NHS is now in danger of being over-run by sheer numbers of patients struck down with the expected Christmas spike kicking in.

“So please do not go out and mix to celebrate this New Year on Thursday night and Friday.

“Raise a glass or two to salute your friends, neighbours and family in the safety and comfort of your own home as we all look forward to a much better, happier, healthier 2021.

“And the faster we get the crucial new vaccines rolled out to protect us all against us this killer disease and get us all back to normal the better.”