DESPITE his previously expressed disappointment about Thurrock being raised into Tier Two in the new government Covid-restrictions, borough council leader Rob Gledhill has acknowledged a significant rise in infections in key age sectors in the region.

And he has pointed a finger at blame at people not following the guidelines - and putting those who do at risk.

As he did soon after the move to Tier Two next week was announced yesterday (Thursday, 26 November), Cllr Gledhill has called for everyone in the borough to work together to make a big difference - quickly.

He says: "We must now all play our part and do everything we can to drive the rate of infection back down again as we have done before.

"The actions we must take are to follow hands, face, space advice, stay alert for symptoms and be ready to self-isolate if we feel any of them or are told to by NHS Test and Trace.

"By following these simple rules and acting responsibly, we can reduce the risk to ourselves and to others and halt the spread of the virus.

"We need to make sure that we are taking the necessary action to protect ourselves, our families, our communities and even more importantly to protect the most vulnerable in our community who are at highest risk of serious illness or death if they contract COVID-19.

"It is extremely disappointing to see the statistics showing an increase in positive test rates in the under 18s and the 50-69 year-old age groups.

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"It is equally disappointing to have moved from the bottom third of upper tier authorities to nearly being in the top half for the highest number of infections.

"It illustrates that restrictions only work when they are followed.

"If people ignore the rules it only serves to endanger all of us and help create a situation in which increased restrictions could be imposed."