Leaders thank Sunderland for standing together to fight virus through 'shattering six weeks'

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, and chief executive Patrick Melia, have said since the lockdown was introduced on March 23, Sunderland has stood together in a united effort to protect communities from the risk posed by COVID-19.

As the UK moves into week seven of lockdown, the two chiefs have told the Sunderland Echo of their thanks for the collective effort that is saving lives in the city.

“Crises like this are – thankfully – very rare. For too many of our residents though, it has been a shattering six-weeks, in which their world has been changed forever by the loss of a loved one.

“We will never forget those who have been taken by this virus and the city grieves collectively for those we have lost too soon,” said Coun Miller.

“Through the grey clouds, there have been glimmers of light. The frontline workers going out every day – risking their lives in order to protect others. From NHS staff, to care workers; from our emergency services to our waste collection teams; from shop workers to bus drivers, so often forgotten, but who are keeping the wheels turning and the city moving.

“And our incredible volunteers – more than 1,000 people who are working with the council as we direct support to those who need it most; the businesses giving their time to help; from restaurateurs distributing meals to the manufacturers making PPE and vital equipment. It’s truly been a whole-city effort.”

“With a growing army of people and businesses committed to assisting the city effort, Sunderland City Council is coordinating volunteer efforts, dispatching help to those who need it most.Mr Melia added: “We are doing all we can to our support businesses during this crisis.

“More than 3,000 payments, totalling close to £35million, have been made from the Small Business Grant Fund, andour Business Investment Team is working round the clock to assist companies through thechallenging time they face.

“It’s been a tough time, and there is further to go. We all have a role to play in that, including the Sunderland Echo, which has been a force for good during these testing times, keeping residents informed and spreading some much-needed positivity.“I want to pay tribute to residents in Sunderland who have done their bit by staying at home and protecting the NHS. This is a battle we must all fight – and we must stay the course and remain at home to ensure the fight so far has not been in vain.

“We will beat this virus together and emerge from it more resilient – and that will be the legacy of those we have lost along the way.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

‌

‌

‌

‌

‌