Sutton Scene - Leader of the Council Column 10/07/2020

Along with the Mayor of Sutton and several councillors, I took part in a moving ceremony last Saturday to remember the people who have died at St Helier Hospital during the coronavirus crisis. Seeing a lighted candle for each one of them was both upsetting and humbling. It reminded us all that this virus is still among us and that we need to carry on being careful as the Government continues to relax its lockdown guidance and encourages businesses and leisure facilities to open up again.

The following day, I delivered a birthday card to the hospital as the NHS and care service celebrated their 72nd anniversary and in the afternoon, I took part in the Clap for Carers. We are so grateful to NHS staff, care home and home care staff, social workers and all those unpaid carers who are looking after some of the most vulnerable people living in our borough.

We owe it to all of them and to the sacrifice they are making day in, day out to ensure that we do not take unnecessary risks in the days ahead. We are all looking forward to meeting up with our families again and being able to enjoy time with our friends in parks, cafes and restaurants. The weather also looks set to improve in the next few days. So let's enjoy our new freedoms but never forget the three cardinal rules to get us through this pandemic - wash your hands frequently; use face masks on public transport and in indoor spaces; and maintain social distancing.