'We're all sick of not being able to do things - but this is the quickest way back to a normal life' - Sunderland chief warns those who let rules slip

The most recent seven-day rolling statistics have Sunderland as the eighteenth-highest in England, with data suggesting the number of new cases has increased across the city from 86.1 infections per 100,000 people during the week ending September 13 to 132.2 for the week ending September 20.

The city, along with the rest of the North East, is already under stricter measures to curb the spread of the disease, and the Government announced more UK-wide measures on September 22.

Sunderland City Council leader Graeme Miller acknowledged people in the city were fed up with limits on their lives, but said the restrictions were essential – and criticised those who let them slip.

“We all just want to get back to normal and we’re sick of not being able to do the things we love doing and seeing the people we love seeing, but the quickest way to get back to normal life, is to follow these vital steps at this stage in the pandemic, so that we safeguard the most vulnerable and save as many lives as possible,” he said.

“To me, it seems the vast majority of people were very concerned and careful during lockdown, but since the restrictions were lifted, they’ve almost been lulled into a false sense of security and think the virus has gone away, or they’re at much less risk of catching it now.

“But unfortunately, that’s simply not the case, as we’re seeing with infection rates doubling at the moment every seven days.”

He added: “We already knew with the introduction of the ‘rule of six’ nationally a week gone Monday, that the Government had concerns about social distancing and people paying attention to ‘hands, face, space’.

“And we knew from the pattern of our own outbreaks in Sunderland, that despite the constant advice, messaging and support, people can tend to forget the rules and guidance when they’re having an evening out.”

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Coun Miller, who was speaking at a full meeting of Sunderland City Council, said the Government’s national restrictions “confirmed the same concerns are held at the national level” and more rules could be brought in soon across the country.

He went on to say: “Nobody wants to see the progress to date derailed and for residents and businesses to suffer more than they already have in the past very tough six months and we want to head the worst-case scenario off at the pass.

“Each and every one of us has a duty and responsibility in some way – as a council we must continue to do all of the above and more and my heartfelt thanks go to the council’s staff, partners’ staff, businesses and organisations working so hard to survive and thrive and the city’s army of volunteers who I know are all going to rise to the challenge once again over these next few months.

“And as individuals we must do the right thing, follow the rules, play our part, stay safe, act responsibly, be neighbourly and mindful of others and we will come through this, together, as the city of Sunderland.”

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