We’ve heard much about the new Coronavirus variants in circulation and how quickly it has been spreading in the East of England affecting residents and communities in this latest wave.  We know there is light at the end of the tunnel and that vaccinations will make a huge difference in the months to come.

I thank the residents and communities of East Suffolk for their tenacity during the past ten months and I know that this has been a really difficult time for so many people. However, it is crucial that we all continue to follow the guidance laid down to the letter and do our bit to help slow the spread of the virus. Please follow the established guidelines to wear a mask, wash hands and keep a two-metre distance from people if you do need to go out for essential reasons. In line with the national lockdown guidelines, I ask that people don’t travel to and around East Suffolk - particularly our coastal towns - for exercise, while lockdown measures are in place no matter how tempting it is.

Naturally, East Suffolk Council will of course continue to support people however we can. We will work with businesses to ensure they get the funding payments they need, and we will work in our local communities to make sure our residents are supported – particularly through the ongoing ‘Home but Not Alone’ scheme.