FOLLOW the government advice to help beat coronavirus – even if it means missing out to social gatherings and stopping friends and family from visiting you at home.
That’s the message from Redditch MP Rachel Maclean as the country grapples with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking from Westminster she acknowledged the outbreak had moved rapidly in the space of just a week and now had to be taken very seriously indeed.
“With the benefit of hindsight we can all be wise, but people are dying of it now and the truth is this is a new disease and there is no manual for it,” she said.
“The government’s advice is based on what the Chief Medical Officer says and I think we have moved quickly as the situation has escalated.”
She admitted it was a tough message to give people, to give up their socialising in cafes, bars and restaurants.
“There’s a big difference between China and the UK. People here do not take kindly to being told what to do and I think it’s natural people want to continue doing what they have always done,” she said.
“I have had lots of constituents emailing me saying ‘are you going to imprison us in our own homes?’ so I know it’s very difficult.
“But what we are saying is follow the guidelines given by people who are the medical experts – avoid public transport, work from home if possible and just go out for supplies of food.”
She acknowledged the impact the pandemic was having on business but praised Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s £350billion package of support for the economy and business as ‘unprecedented’ and said more help would be forthcoming for the self employed and those working in the gig economy.
And she also praised the people of Redditch and the community groups who were rallying round to support those in need.
“I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate and admire them for what they are doing.
“I would ask that they please keep me in the loop and if I can help with anything, delivering food parcels or in some other practical way let me or my team know.
“We need to make sure we are linking up with people who want to help with those who need help.
“We are blessed in Redditch with a fantastic community and people will look after each other.
“It will be tough but we will get through this.”
Forthe latest government advice on Covid-19 visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
