'From the editor: 'Listen to Greg Fell, be careful and let’s keep our whole city safe'

There is a possibility that Sheffield could find itself on the Covid areas of concern soon. That was the warning from our director of public health Greg Fell at a council meeting yesterday.
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That doesn’t mean we need to completely change course or create a new strategy, it is just a warning that every single one of us has a role to play in avoiding that unnecessary fate.

The messages from government have had us all confused over the last few months but this actually isn’t complicated.

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Let me spell it out for us all, once again. If we take care, look after ourselves and each other then we can stop the virus spreading. I don’t know how many times I have written that since March but, while we all know it to be true, it is the only thing that needs repeating.

If we want to avoid more local restrictions, Sheffield must listen to the city's director of public health Greg FellIf we want to avoid more local restrictions, Sheffield must listen to the city's director of public health Greg Fell
If we want to avoid more local restrictions, Sheffield must listen to the city's director of public health Greg Fell

Wash your hands – hopefully you would do that any way but do it more when we're in a pandemic.

Wear a mask – it doesn’t matter if others aren’t as much as it matters that you take personal responsibility for doing it yourself.

Keep your distance – two metres if possible and, let’s be honest, that usually is possible in the vast majority of circumstances.

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Listen to Greg – now I know Mr Fell’s name might not have been particularly well known before this virus struck but it must be by now. Our director of public health has made some great calls in incredibly difficult circumstances, even when others at national level were not doing the same. If he hasn’t earned your respect by now, you are a fool to yourself and – with here the city is right now – that means you are a danger to us all. His isn’t a political role but it carries enormous responsibility and the very best way to stop Sheffield needing stronger local lockdown measures is to follow what he says. Our reporters are in regular contact with Greg's public health team and, as we have done right from the start of this crisis, I promise that we will bring you all the advice from them as we get it.

All they and we ask is that you remember that this isn’t about losing liberties and it shouldn't be about money, we can all help to save lives and to keep our city safe. Step back a little bit (always advisable these days), take a deep breath (from behind your mask if you are shopping) and never forget why we are doing this. Take care, please.

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