What could be more festive than feet up, sharing time with your loved ones, possibly a sherry or three and chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Now we know Christmas is coming!

Recent statistics in Watford reveal an interesting story; both pre- and during second lockdown, the infection rate has remained around 150 per 100,000.

That second lockdown has hit retail in the run up to Christmas, as well as pubs, restaurants and gyms really hard. Cultural events have been changed completely, from Diwali to Remembrance Sunday. We waited with bated breath and now we know, Watford will emerge blinking into Tier 2 on December 2.

Read more: What tier is Hertfordshire in: County to be in Tier 2

People are fed up and confused. Many regard the Government’s response as disorganised and think the second peak is a direct result of mishandling summertime. Labour by contrast, has been coherent and clear. With elections coming in the spring, the people will have their say.

Relatively few fines have been issued for non-adherence to the coronavirus rules here, but the fact that a local policeman was punched in the face when trying to deal with an inappropriate gathering suggests that attitudes have changed since the spring.

But there has been good news. People hospitalised are now much more likely to survive than at the start of the pandemic. The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train! While the disease remains potentially deadly at this time, vaccines are arriving soon.

The voluntary and charity sector’s response has been amazing. The Trussell Trust food bank is providing many more food parcels, lots of them for children. Small Acts of Kindness has packaged 7,000 bags for distribution. That’s the message we should we should remember from 2020.

  • Matt Turmaine is a Labour councillor for Holywell