Well there we have it another strange week. At the time of writing last week we had a prime minister going into intensive care and we were all concerned about how effective the social distancing would remain over the Easter weekend.
Thankfully we now have a Prime Minister recuperating having left intensive care and being able to thank the NHS at a very personal level and we can all reflect that the vast majority of people did as they should over the weekend and stayed at home.
The message of course remains the same Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives. It appears that the charts are starting to show that this is working but we cannot be certain yet and it is imperative we don’t throw away the hard work that has been done. Please, if you have the opportunity join me in saying thanks, not only to our outstanding NHS and care staff but to every front line worker who is helping to keep us going. Whether you are shopworkers, emergency services, council employees or volunteers you are all amazing.
There are always many personal stories in a situation like we are in and I continue to think most on those whose loved ones have died as a result of Coronavirus and I offer them my sincere commiserations, it must be so difficult to not even say goodbye or celebrate their life properly. Please continue to follow the guidance so there are less people needing to endure the heartbreak.
I, and the other Local MP’s continue to have weekly conference calls with both the police and the local council where we share our perspectives on the situation and review how we can support each other.
Like everyone I have been pretty much confined to barracks and I am only leaving home to exercise or shop for food, other than occasions when I am able to join some volunteers. I had the pleasure of joining the Play Cafe team at the Big Club to help pack and distribute some food parcels on Easter Monday, my thanks to them all for everything they do and allowing me to help, and happy birthday Kath.
The high spot of the weekend had to be the Easter Bunny, that is Nev Jones, singing live on Facebook at 3.00 on Sunday. Thanks for making us all smile Nev.
Please continue to look after your neighbours,
Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives.
Paul Howell MP
Member of Parliament
for Sedgefield
