Saturday 1 January 2022

New Year message

It has been a difficult year for communities across Northumberland, from the ongoing pandemic to the devastating effects of Storm Arwen. Huge thanks go to all the amazing emergency services and our brilliant local NHS, who have continued to serve people in Northumberland with the utmost professionalism and service.

The COVID vaccination rollout earlier in the year, and the recent booster rollout has been hugely successful. The UK leads the world with its booster rollout, with some 185,000 booster jabs being rolled out across Northumberland so far. Our local NHS has been amazing at rolling out the vaccine at such speed, whilst also persuading those who were previously unsure to get the jab, to get jabbed.

My single most important message would be to get vaccinated. COVID has taken such a toll on our communities in so many ways, but the vaccine is our single most effective defence against the Omicron variant. It is the best way to protect our friends, family, and vulnerable members of the community.

I hope you have had a very merry Christmas and wishing everyone across Northumberland a very happy and prosperous new year.