As we enter the third week of the lockdown we are approach a
crucial point in this national crisis. When the Prime Minister announced we
would need to take these drastic measure to try to halt the spread of this
virus and ultimately defeat it, he stated it would be for an initial period of
three weeks and would then be reviewed.
In addition, it is predicted that we will reach the summit
of this outbreak in the coming days. This will be a critical point in the
evaluation of whether or not the measures taken, and the degree to which they
have been adhered to, is working or if further steps need to be taken.
As there is a time lag of 2-3 weeks before the impact of any
measures put in place shows in the number of infections and people presenting
to hospitals with serious symptoms, it does make these decisions challenging.
But as the Health Secretary stated at the weekend, if too many people do not
follow the rules then the government will have to take further steps to fight
this virus. The onus remains on each one of us to stick to the very clear and simple
instructions we have been give – to stay at home as much as possible and only
go out for the few exceptions allowed and make sure we are not physically
interacting with people outside of our household in any way.
The more people stick to the rules the quicker we can get
through this and start to see life return to some sort of normal. Those who
break the rules or push the boundaries are not doing any of us any favours. I
posted on my Social Media accounts at the weekend that there is no point in
clapping for our carers on a Thursday evening if we then spend the weekend
flouting the rules and hanging out with our friends. The best thing all of us
can do right now to support the NHS and all those who are working on the
frontline in health and social care is to stay home as much as we can.
The fact that we learned on Sunday evening that the Prime
Minister had been taken to hospital, we are told as a precautionary measure,
was I am sure a cause for concern for us all. It goes go to show just how
unpredictable this virus can be. Many are simply getting mind symptoms and
recover fully in just a few days. For others, as we are seeing, it becomes
something very serious which requires major treatment in hospital and for some
it is fatal. There is a wide spectrum between these and no one can be sure how
it affects us if we contract it. We are told that the reason for Boris
Johnson’s hospital visit was due to his symptoms not clearing up in the
expected time frame. I am sure we all wish him well and a speedy recovery.
I also just want to say a few words about all those
businesses, employers and self-employed people who have had to make some really
tough choices in the past weeks. I do not under-estimate how difficult this
time has been for many. I have spent a great deal of my time in the last two
weeks seeking to provide advice and support for our local businesses and
employees. The government has put in place a comprehensive package to provide
support for the economy. But I do appreciate there remain a number of gaps for
those who are not covered by the schemes in place. I am pleased that the
government continue to keep all these measures under review and have already
made a number of changes in recent days that will enable more people to access
the support available. I will continue to be available to any in our
constituency who need advice and help so please do get in touch if you think
any team and I can be of assistance in any way.
Finally, sadly we continue to see far too many people coming
to Cornwall either to stay in holiday accommodation or to come to their second
homes. The Government has been clear that everyone should remain at the primary
residence and not travel to places such as Cornwall for a holiday, sort break,
or come to their 2nd homes. Unfortunately some holiday accommodation
providers are not helping with preventing this by continuing to make their
properties available. I know this is something that greatly concerns many local
people and I have continued to work with government ministers to push these
companies to stop people from coming as well as get the message out loud and
clear through the media. I am pleased that Cornwall Council are now also taking
action to prevent firms letting their properties out to tourists and have set
up an email address to report those breaking the rules - businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
If anyone is aware of holiday accommodation providers who are still taking
booking please report them to this email address.
Stay safe, stay home and stay well.
