So the year closes as it opened, with everyone wearing masks and socially distancing.

Everyone hoped we would be seeing the back of the Covid-19 pandemic by now but it seems to have revived with the Omicron variant.

It would seem there is some way to go before it can be said the pandemic is behind us.

Everyone has been through a lot, many losing loved ones.

These are difficult times, with people being asked to give up their liberties in exchange for the safety and security of all.

What has been most galling is that some of those doing the asking have been exposed as so flagrantly breaking the rules themselves.

The news that last year, as citizens obeyed government rules to socially distance, wear masks and not mix inside, occupants of Downing Street were operating in a totally parallel universe - partying the night away.

One rule for us and one rule for them, had been the cry previously over the Dominic Cummings/Barnard Castle fiasco but the parties farrago took the whole thing to a new level.

Trust is vital if we are to come through this pandemic with the minimum of damage. And trust has taken a battering from this government.

Citizens are being asked to abide by restrictions that they know those doing the asking have failed to do in the past. This is perfect storm territory.

But the people must rise above the inadequacy of today's leaders and think of each other.

It has been the community response that has seen us through in the past 18 months.

The foodbanks, support for homeless and house bound.

The heroic efforts of NHS, care staff, police, firefighters, soldiers, teachers, refuse collectors, local authority workers, postal and supermarket staff.

These are just some of those who have helped everyone get through the crisis.

We will all look to them again to see us through the latest stage of the pandemic. And we will get there.

Everyone has a role to play, not least by getting vaccinated.

It is just a shame that we have so much become a nation of lions led by donkeys (if that is not unfair to donkeys). Everyone deserves better in 2022. Happy New Year.

  • Paul Donovan is a Redbridge Labour councillor for Wanstead village and blogger.

See paulfdonovan.blogspot.com