Powerful new campaign urges people across Harborough and Leicestershire to help stop the spread of Covid-19

It comes as the country braces itself for a second wave of the virus
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A powerful new campaign is exhorting people across Harborough and Leicestershire to help stop the spread of Covid-19 as a second wave of the virus hits the UK.

The mission to halt the coronavirus and push it back is being backed by the NHS, local authorities, Leicestershire Police, universities and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport.

Dubbed ‘it’s down to us’, it encourages people whether they are on the school run, travelling to work, in the office or going out for a drink to change their behaviour during the pandemic.

A powerful new campaign is exhorting people across Harborough and Leicestershire to help stop the spread of Covid-19 as a second wave of the virus hits the UK.A powerful new campaign is exhorting people across Harborough and Leicestershire to help stop the spread of Covid-19 as a second wave of the virus hits the UK.
A powerful new campaign is exhorting people across Harborough and Leicestershire to help stop the spread of Covid-19 as a second wave of the virus hits the UK.

The artwork features local people and landmarks and it’s urging residents that they can play a vital role in lowering infection levels after they have climbed over the last few weeks.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, said: “The campaign urges everyone to think about social distancing, wearing a face mask, washing your hands and adhering to the rules 24/7.

“Or making it run throughout your life like the letters in a stick of rock.

“As winter draws nearer – and the second wave appears to be here – it’s even more important we do everything we can to reduce the impact of coronavirus in our communities and on our public services.”

He added: “Get a flu jab, reduce your contacts, self-isolate when you need to and avoid crowded areas.

“So whether you’re on the school run, travelling to work, in the office or going out for a drink, please do the right thing.

“The route out of this is changing our behaviour.”

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We are all in this together and need to protect each other and halt the rise in coronavirus cases.

“It is crucial people in the Harborough district take notice of the campaign and play their part by following the simple steps to help control the virus.”

Andy Williams, Accountable Officer for all three local Clinical Commissioning Groups, said on behalf of the NHS: “The winter months are always very busy for the NHS and your help to lessen the impact of Covid is really appreciated.

“We know it has taken its toll on people - not just Covid itself but the impact of Covid on people’s mental health, for example.

“But the NHS with our partners in social care and with support from other organisations, including the voluntary sector, is committed to making sure you all get the care you need.”

Ramming home the message, Simon Cole, the chief constable of Leicestershire Police, warned that people could be fined up to £10,000 for flouting the new Covid-19 rules.

“Hands, face, space.

“It really couldn’t be more simple for people to take responsibility.

“We continue to let people know that the police will take action against those who break the rules, you could be facing up to 10k in fines,” said Mr Cole.

“We have to work together to protect our families and our livelihoods.

“It is, without a doubt, down to all of us.”

Cllr Lee Breckon, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for health, said: “Through targeted action and behaviour change campaigns, we’re doing everything we can to control the virus.

“We’re in this for the long haul and the clear message is that it’s up to us all to play our part.”

Ivan Browne, Director of Public Health for Leicester, said: “Many people have been doing their bit over several months to stop the transmission of coronavirus and we thank them for that.

“Unfortunately, cases have been going up locally and nationally so we must all take these simple steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones and control the virus.”

Cllr Oliver Hemsley, who leads Rutland County Council, said: “We are all working extremely hard to control the virus and it is more important than ever that we continue to do this.

“It has to be collective effort.

“It is not about you, as an individual.

“It is about us, as a community.

“If we work together we can keep each other safe.”

Kevin Harris, chair of Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership board of directors, said: “Businesses must play their part just as much as individuals to minimise the economic impact of this pandemic.

“By implementing the NHS track and trace and ensuring that customers follow the rules they are helping to reduce the risk and spread of infection, which is key to keeping businesses open and safeguarding jobs in the longer term.“

The ‘it’s down to us’ campaign includes:

- Posters and banners for pubs – reminding customers to wear a face covering.

- ‘Shop safe’ posters for businesses.

- Posters for sports clubs.

- Social media posts urging parents to take care at the school gates.

If you require urgent mental health help you can contact Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s Central Access Point 24/7 on 0116 295 3060.

A wide range of mental health support is available on their website at www.leicspart.nhs.uk/emotional-wellbeing - including videos in different languages.