Christmas 2020 will not be as we’ve known it before, says council leader Julian Bell in his latest video update (above). Like other religious festivals in 2020, we’re not going to be able to celebrate it in the way that we would have liked. The new COVID variant has put us in Tier 4 and stopped the possibility of extended Christmas ‘bubbles’.

New variant

This new variant transmits 70% faster than the original COVID virus. Currently, London has an average case rate of 576 per 100,000; in Ealing, we have an average case rate of 419.5 per 100,000 and that’s in the week to 17 December.

We all must act as if we’ve actually got the virus – and cases have almost doubled in the last week. We’ve got to stay at home as much as possible and, definitely, not mix with other households. If you’ve got symptoms, self-isolate and get a test. Testing centres will stay open over the holiday period. Please follow the ‘Hands. Face. Space.’ rules – it’s so important now that we’ve got this fast-spreading variant of the virus.

Ealing Together

Obviously, we always look out for the elderly and those disadvantaged at Christmastime, and this is even more important this Christmas. Loneliness is a real challenge, so please look out for the elderly and the vulnerable. Make contact with them in a safe way and, if anyone needs help, call our Ealing Together telephone line 020 8825 7170.

Christmas changes to collections

Don’t forget to check what day your refuse collection is and also recycle as much as you can.

Thanking key workers

I’d like, on behalf of the borough, to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 2020 has been incredibly tough and I send my heartfelt condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one during this past year.

I, also, on behalf of everyone in the borough, want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all our health, care and key workers and volunteers who’ve done so much in 2020 to look after us all and keep vital services going.

There is hope for 2021 as the vaccine has now been given to 975 over-80s and key health and care workers in Ealing. More will receive it in the coming weeks and 2021 will hopefully see us defeat this virus once and for all.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and let’s hope for a happy new year.