28th March 2020

A Statement from the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Craig Simmons

These are challenging times and I am proud of the way that Oxford is stepping up to make the changes necessary to beat the coronavirus.  From what I can see and hear from others, businesses and individuals are generally heeding Government advice and avoiding unnecessary activities. Thank you.

I know that this is not easy. But this is short term pain for long term gain. To beat this virus we must all continue to follow expert advice. No shortcuts, no exceptions. This is for the greater good.

Oxford is home to health care services and research facilities with a global reputation for excellence. I was one of those who stood on my doorstep on Thursday and applauded the hard work and tenacity of our health care workers. It was a moving moment when the sounds of cheers and clapping echoed across the City.

As well as those who work in the NHS, I would also like to pay tribute to the many other frontline workers and volunteers who are keeping essential services running, often at great risk to themselves; charity workers, bus drivers, food retailers and service providers, homeless outreach staff, pharmacists, waste and recycling operatives to name just a few. And behind the scenes I know that there are many office-based staff keeping things moving.

This lockdown will not last forever. I do not know when it will end. What I do know is that we will emerge stronger as individuals, as a City and as a society when we do. In the meantime, we need to look out for one another and try to find some joy in the gloom.

I am reminded of a quote attributed to the poet Bertolt Brecht:

In the dark times

Will there also be singing?

Yes, there will be singing

About the dark times.

Craig

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