Read Hitchin MP Bim Afolami's reaction to the third national lockdown at Nub News in his own words.

In an address to the nation earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out 'further steps' - after existing tiers currently in place failed to prevent the spread of coronavirus that has been driven by a new variant.

As Covid infection rates soar, threatening the NHS, and all but essential shops open, as companies are forced to shut and many workers put on furlough or working from home, our town's Parliamentarian shares his take on the current situation.

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Regrettably, this week action had to be taken due to the new variant of Covid increasing the transmission rates beyond the point of control.

Existing interventions were no longer enough to prevent mass transmission.

We now know more about the virus and treatment outcomes for those who are hospitalised have improved a great deal.

But, sadly, due to the number of infections, mortality figures continue to grow.

I had fought hard for schools to remain open, conscious of the ever growing disruption to education and mounting stress on children and parents.

Continuity of education is a top priority. But, alas, the decision to close schools had to be made swiftly before the term began.

I am working to ensure that these restrictions last for as only as long as absolutely necessary because, although they are designed to save lives, the reality is that lockdowns have a hugely detrimental impact on our society, our lives and our livelihoods.

With the vaccination programme being scaled up over the coming days, we can have hope.

We have done this before. Business support and community networks are in place.

We must all now hold our resolve and follow the guidance.