Christmas last year was so difficult for so many of us and I know how many of you have been looking forward to spending time with our loved ones this year.
I have always been proud of how Moorlanders reacted to the very many restrictions that have been imposed to help us to fight the Covid pandemic. I know the sacrifices that people made – particularly last Christmas – missing out on seeing loved ones and I joined so many in getting vaccinated as soon as I could and then my booster more recently. We did this not just to protect ourselves but also others.
It was really lovely to be able to attend some events such as the Leek Christmas Lights event and I was pleased to be able to visit some schools and local businesses before the emergence of the Omicron variant. However, following advice from the Government to work from home if you can, I am now returning to virtual calls. We all should continue to be cautious – last year my team and I held our Christmas get together virtually and given the tightened restrictions that have been imposed following the Omicron variant, we will not get together as a team in person this year.
It is clear that vaccines remain our best defence against the virus, which is why I am so grateful to our volunteer services and brilliant NHS who are leading our national mission to offer every eligible adult their booster before the New Year.
I know that as always you will join me in thanking all those working in the emergency services – our doctors and nurses, NHS staff, the police, the fire service and ambulance crews and everyone working away from home over Christmas.
I wish everyone in Staffordshire Moorlands a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
