THE local lockdown fears for Birmingham are a stark reminder the virus has not gone anyway.

The jump in the cases in the second city has led to real concerns lockdown restrictions could return there.

While many will breathe a sign of relief it is not us as county numbers have stayed low for weeks, the biggest problem is complacency.

If we don't want to become a Leicester or live under the conditions more than 4 million people in northern England are having to right now, we have to do what we can to prevent it.

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Yes that means wearing a mask indoors in public places, social distancing, not holding parties - all the rules that are there for a reason.

Some European countries are seeing spikes of more than 70 per cent. Yes it is true there are likely many reasons for that - but could it be that a lackadaisically attitude has played a significant part?

We have enjoyed a summer with freedoms that at the height of the first wave would have been difficult to imagine.

But for us to now enjoy the same freedoms this autumn, we all have to play our part.

This is not about being 'petrified by fear' as some will say - it is about simply being sensible to save lives, and avoid another damaging lockdown.