WITH less than 24 hours to go before Oxford and the rest of England enter a second lockdown, residents have been urged to 'do their bit' to ensure no one is forgotten, and follow the rules to protect loved ones.

Oxford City Council has outlined support it will be providing, based on contingency planning over the summer, including restarting its network of hubs to protect the vulnerable.

It comes as county councillors yesterday held an emergency debate on the new restrictions, which come into force at 00.01am on Thursday, with Oxfordshire’s council leader Ian Hudspeth saying the area will ‘follow the scientific advice’ on what should happen after the measures end.

City council leader Susan Brown told Oxford residents: “While nobody wants a countrywide lockdown, we hope that it can stop the spread and protect the NHS both locally and nationally.

"In Oxford we will continue to do what we can to support the many businesses that will be impacted, many of which were just getting back on their feet.

Also read: Third Covid death in a week at Oxford hospital trust

"Working with the city’s fantastic volunteer networks, we will also provide additional support for vulnerable households where that is needed."

Non-essential shops, gyms, leisure centres, cinemas and museums, will all be forced to close, with pubs and restaurants also shutting unless they can operate as a takeaway.

Unlike in March, however, schools, colleges and universities will remain open throughout the month-long lockdown, which is due to end on December 2.

Other services such as GP surgeries, dentists and courts are also expected to remain open as normal.

Oxford Mail:

A key part of the city council's response will be its six locality resource hubs, covering Blackbird Leys, East Oxford, Rose Hill, West Oxford, Central Oxford, and North Oxford.

As during the first lockdown, they will support people in need to access food, medicines and essential supplies, working in close partnership with Oxford Together and other community groups across the city.

The Government will be writing to all people it has identified as 'clinically extremely vulnerable', and the council will deliver support for them through this network.

Also read: A&E booking system introduced to limit Covid infection risk

For those wanting to help in their communities, there are volunteering opportunities with a number of organisations, from becoming a 'phone link buddy' to picking up shopping or prescriptions for those who are housebound.

Hubs can be contacted by phoning 01865 249 811 or via the council's website.

The six Oxfordshire authorities will also once again be working together and offering support across the county.

For businesses, this will include working with the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Also read: Latest Covid hotspots in Oxford and Oxfordshire

Its chief executive Nigel Tipple said: "We ask that businesses follow the new guidelines and adhere to any actions required, including those industries permitted to remain active during this lockdown period.

“We also encourage businesses to be as proactive as possible and seek any support that is needed, whether via existing Government schemes or indeed the support and advice we are able to offer as the county’s Local Enterprise Partnership.

The city council’s Covid Secure Team will also continue to work with Thames Valley Police to deter those flouting the rules and respond to house party reports.

Oxford Mail:

Thames Valley Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said a 'common-sense' approach will be used by officers, adding: "The approach will be to engage with the public, explain the new rules, encourage people to protect each other by following these new laws and to enforce only as a last resort."

All organisations will continue to work with Oxford' universities to support their work with students to promote Covid-safe behaviour.

Also read: 'Your cough might be lung cancer not Covid'

Ms Brown stressed it was important to look after everyone during lockdown, saying: “Maintaining social contact will be difficult for some people during lockdown, so I'd ask everyone who can to do their bit to ensure that people who need a little extra help are not forgotten at this time – be they family, friends or neighbours.

"Over this next month it’s really important that we all obey the rules, to protect ourselves, our families, our friends and our colleagues and I’d like to thank everyone for doing their best to keep us all safe.”