Stay safe, dig in and help each other - that's the message from political leaders today as the third national lockdown came into force.

Leaders of the two main political parties in Medway said it was important to do the right thing, even though things seem tough.

Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), leader of Medway Council, said: "I know the last thing any of us wanted to face in the New Year was another lockdown; however, if this will help save just one life from being taken by this deadly virus it has to be worth it.

"The pandemic is relentless and we’ve all had to adapt to a new way of living over the past year. It’s also been a difficult couple of weeks for us all, with many spending the festive period away from loved ones for the first time.

"I appreciate you may be fatigued by the changing of restrictions, but it is so important that you continue to follow the guidelines. The government has updated the national restrictions for one reason and that is to save lives.

"It is no secret, despite the valiant efforts of our local NHS workers, the NHS is facing mounting pressures. We are also seeing the impact in our care system. The new national restrictions announced by the Prime Minister is the next step in our fight against coronavirus and to alleviate this pressure and consequently help keep people safe.

"We might be back to facing the toughest of restrictions, but Medway Council is committed to continuing to provide essential services for its residents, including weekly household waste collections and supporting the most vulnerable children and adults living across Medway.

"The new lockdown is expected to last until mid-February.

"Infection rates in Medway are still very high and we know that the new Covid-19 variant spreads incredibly quickly. Whilst we have started the Covid vaccination programme, it will take a short time before we get enough people vaccinated to protect our community. Until that time, we must all act now to protect our family and friends.

"I’d like to remind Medway residents that no one has to be alone; support is available whether that be a friendly voice to speak to on the phone, help getting food items if you have no one else to turn to or financial support through government grants.

"It is vital that we continue to stay in touch with each other, either over the phone or online, for our own mental wellbeing.

"Protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe."

It was a similar message from Cllr Vince Maple, leader of the Medway Labour Group.

He said: "It is the right decision for the country to go into the third national lockdown. Our numbers here in Medway have continued to be very high with tragically more than 450 local residents passing away – our thoughts with friends and families of all those who have lost a loved one.

"With the very high rates of transmission in Medway, the Medway Labour Group has been calling for a circuit break and a move to remote learning in schools since November. The Prime Minister recognised the point in his speech that we have been saying that schools are a vector for transmission of coronavirus.

"It is essential that all pupils have access to good quality remote learning but we are aware that many families do not have good internet connections and may be worried about the costs of mobile phone data to access learning. We will work to find a solution that does not impoverish families even more.

"We must also see those children who would normally receive free school meals receiving support during the national lockdown. My thanks to all those across Medway’s schools for their ongoing outstanding efforts, it is truly appreciated.

"We know, as well, our hospital continues to be under immense pressure, another reason why this national lockdown is the right decision.

"Our community values every single person working at Medway Maritime, recognising they are dealing with a situation right now they couldn’t possibly train for.

"Of course, other health matters also continue to impact on individuals - if you have any health concerns please initially call 111 to get advice, guidance and support.

"If you are invited to a symptom free test please attend and when you are invited to your vaccine please make sure you attend that too. Failure to turn up for a vaccine means it has to be discarded and can’t be used for someone else due to storage conditions.

"If you are struggling with any aspect of shielding or self-isolating please call 03000 419292 which covers both Medway and Kent.

"There are a number of detailed questions which will still need to be answered and we will be raising those with senior council officers at our weekly briefing with them. If you have questions you want answering regarding the latest lockdown please contact your local Labour councillor so we can raise them directly.

"It goes without saying that all those key workers who have done such a tremendous job throughout 2020 will no doubt continue to do so in this latest national lockdown.

"They have supported us throughout and we offer them all our support in the vital roles those women and men are carrying out to keep Medway going in these most challenging of times.

"These next few weeks may be some of the most challenging as the third national lockdown impacts on all our lives. Whilst these measures are absolutely necessary, we must all be mindful of the effects these restrictions will have on the mental health of our community and support one another accordingly.

"Lockdown will affect everyone in different ways, so if you can, check in on those around you and look after your own mental health as much as possible.

"I urge all Medway residents to follow the national lockdown rules - with the collective sacrifices we all make now means it will be more likely we can reduce our rates here in Medway, reduce the pressure on our hospital and ultimately mean we can return to the way of life we have all been missing so much."

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