The Labour Party in York has thanked hard working staff on the front line including in the NHS, social care and those helping to feed the city during the current coronavirus pandemic. After just a few weeks of what looks like it could last many months at best, staff across a range of sectors are working incredibly hard to keep people safe, says Labour Group Leader Councillor Danny Myers.

However he has urged far more caution, urging people to maintain social distancing and to behave in the best interests of the general population in ways that will help reduce the risk of the COVID-19 epidemic spreading.

“I want to thank both staff and volunteers for the excellent work they are doing to support all residents in the city,” he commented. “The situation is changing so quickly and people are really stepping up, especially in the NHS.  Supermarkets and other food stores are also doing a great job in very trying circumstances, and I would urge shoppers to take only what they need and to think of fellow customers, especially those who don’t have great flexibility around vital jobs to keep dropping in to the shops”.

Unfortunately, after a weekend of finer weather, many areas of the country have seen large groups of people congregating close to one another, ignoring national advice from Public Health professionals on social distancing. Even before this evening’s Prime Ministerial broadcast bringing in tighter restrictions, Cllr Myers spoke to this issue and his hopes that more people would follow expert advice.

“It’s a natural tendency we have, as human beings, to get out and enjoy better weather with friends and family when it arrives, but we must resist the urge to do this. This is an unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, and it is only through collective action that we will protect our communities. Only by following the advice on social distancing can we ensure we’re not posing a risk to others. It’s vital to contain the virus and make sure we come out the other side sooner rather than later, which is what everyone wants”.