IN his latest address to borough residents, Thurrock council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has once again repeated his call for local people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against Covid-19.

And, even though he came in for criticism at a recent full meeting of the council for not wearing a facemask himself, he stressed the importance of masks in stopping communication of the disease.

The criticism came from independent councillor Gary Byrne, who accused Cllr Gledhill of being a hypocrite and saying he told people to practice what he preached, not what he does.' Cllr Gledhill was also pictured in a council promotion about its safer streets project, in recent days - again not wearing a mask as he engaged in up close and personal conversations with residents.

The latest comments have drawn parallels to last Christmas when, despite lockdown being in force, Cllr Gledhill travelled to Norfolk to spend the holiday with his partner and family. Cllr Gledhill has always insisted he broke no rules.

Cllr Gledhill's trip to Norfolk came to light in June when Cllr Gledhill told Nub News: "I can assure you I have complied with the coronavirus guidelines in place at the time throughout the pandemic.

"If anyone has proof that I have broken the law they should report me to the police and I will, as you would expect, comply with any investigation they may wish to raise. However I can assure you that those making the report will be wasting their time."

In his latest address to residents, Cllr Gledhill says: "We have once again this week learned that the time for caution is not over after the Prime Minister announced new rules to help keep us safe following the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant of concern: Omicron.

"The measures, which include wearing face-coverings in public indoor spaces and on public transport, have been brought in temporarily while more is learned about this new variant. They will help protect us while scientific research takes place and will play a significant role in making sure that we get to enjoy Christmas with our friends and family this year.

"Possibly the most significant factor in tackling not only Omicron but all possible variants of coronavirus is making sure that we all take up the offer of the vaccine.

"Not only by making sure we get the first two initial doses but by also getting a booster dose when it is our turn. The booster dose is a vital part of ensuring that protection is maintained. That is why the Government have announced plans to reduce the waiting time between the second dose and booster to three months, offer a booster to everyone over the age of 18 and ensure that they are delivered by the end of January.

"By getting the vaccine and booster dose you not only make yourself safer from the risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of COVID-19 you protect your family and loved ones by helping to reduce the likelihood you will contract and transmit coronavirus and you play a part in protecting the country's health services during the cold winter months when they are always busier.

"The science on this is clear and undeniable – vaccines provide significant protection and in the overwhelming majority of cases have no side-effects beyond mild flu-like symptoms.

"You can see from the figures that those aged under 49 years-old account for over 800 cases locally this week, they are also the age group in Thurrock which has the lowest proportion of two vaccine doses. Whereas those over 49 years, which is the most vaccinated age group, account for around 120 infections. There has also been a significant rise in Thurrock's infection rate and we are currently the 27th most infected upper tier local authority.

"There is no sensible reason not to get vaccinated and stay protected by getting boosters.

"We also need to take care to follow the rules, wear face coverings where required and appropriate, unless exempt, and take care to ventilate indoor spaces if we are meeting friends and family."