Stay home and stay safe – for more reasons than yesterday: Editor's comment

There has been a definite uplift in the tone of conversations in Sheffield recently. Don’t worry, talk only takes place by email or over the phone but the speed and efficiency of the city’s health network has brought many a smile.

If you, like all of us, fancy some relief from talking or discussing Covid then the answer might be on its way – and not in a form any of us would want. Yes, I’m back to everyone’s favourite subject … the weather. We got through the city’s first serious bout of snow for the new year but now we have amber flood warnings in place. You could be forgiven for wondering if somebody up there has got the worst sense of humour ever but extreme weather is no joking matter for anyone and we must all sincerely hope that we get through this without damage.

As journalists living and working in your city, we always see the very best in people but too often witness that when there is desperation at terrible circumstances that have struck.

We all remember the horrors that left so many homeless as the water rose beyond control at the end of 2019. It seems a lifetime ago for many of us, yet there are still some folk in neighbouring towns who have been unable to return to their homes yet because of the sheer extent of the damage. There is something very strange at this point in time to urge people to stay home either due to snow or possible floods – yet here we are. That is what we all must do regardless of the weather and even if you have had the vaccine already.

Let’s keep safe, keep following the rules because we understand that doing so helps others. Whatever the weather, things are getting better in this pandemic so we all must stay on this slow, steady path together.

Our reporters will be bringing you the latest news as we move through what looks like it may be a challenging week. If you are a print subscriber, don’t forget we have special offers in place so you can also access breaking news as it happens and every puzzle your heart could possibly desire.

We’ve got you covered and I thank you for making local journalism possible, just as Sheffielders have since 1887.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subs cription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.