This is serious – deadly serious.

In Sutton, COVID-19 infection rates have increased from 172.5 per 100,000 to 294.6 per 100,000 people in the last week alone. That’s a 69% increase – in just 7 days. 

The situation is now critical and doctors and nurses are begging us to be extra careful, not to take any unnecessary risks, to wear masks and avoid crowded spaces. 

I urgently need your help to share this message with everyone you know this weekend and in the run-up to Christmas. I know not everyone in the borough receives Sutton Scene, so please use your own networks to let as many people know as possible: family, colleagues, friends and neighbours. Use your phone, email or social media to tell as many people you know as possible. 

This is something I need you to do now: help us and the NHS get this message out to our community. We need to get through to people before they are too distracted by Christmas and the holiday season. 

We all need to take urgent action now to reduce the spread of infection

Last week saw the welcome news that a safe, effective vaccine is already being delivered to priority groups (health and social care staff and the over 80's) here in Sutton. But we can’t rely on the vaccine alone. It could be months before most people in Sutton are vaccinated. 

We mustn’t abandon the other tools that we have available now. We need to keep on with handwashing, wearing face coverings and social distancing – the Hands. Face. Space rule.

The announcement this week that Sutton, along with the rest of London, has moved into Tier 3 shows how important these public health measures are.

This year has been hugely challenging for everyone, but now is not the time to let down our guard. None of this is easy but support is available if you need it.

Thank you for everything you have done so far. Together we can make a huge difference if we act now.

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