Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith & The Border has welcomed Government measures to tackle the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic.
“Having been contacted by a number of concerned constituents, with large numbers of visitors flocking to enjoy the Cumbrian countryside last weekend, it was clear that people were not following social-distancing guidelines. Having represented to my colleagues in Government the risk that this posed, to rural communities with limited services in particular, it is good that tougher measures have now been introduced.”
The announcement of the Government’s £330 billion package to support businesses affected by the Coronavirus, the commitment to pay 80% of furloughed workers’ salaries and emergency legislation to tackle the effects of the pandemic - including the extension of Statutory Sick Pay, protecting renters and providing affected home-owners with mortgage-holidays - have all been well-received.
“I appreciate that these are difficult and unprecedented times, and want to reassure all my constituents, that despite Westminster adapting its working procedures, I will continue working hard to raise their concerns and seek clarity - sharing any information, as and when I receive it, via my website. I and my team have been working hard to help people access support at this time, from helping repatriate constituents stranded abroad, to answering urgent requests for support and advice. For obvious reasons, I cannot hold my regular face-to-face surgeries and meetings at the moment, but please know that I am listening to your concerns and raising issues on a daily basis with the Government. If you have specific concerns, or any urgent issues, or would like to talk to me by telephone please contact my office and we will be in touch as soon as possible – although please understand that my office is extremely busy at the moment so we will need to prioritise. My contact details are tel: 01768 484114; email: [email protected]; website: www.neilhudson.org.uk )
I also appreciate that advice is changing fast. Please keep in touch with the NHS latest advice here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and Government advice here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
We are going to face very difficult times in the coming weeks and months. I understand that people are anxious: for themselves, their families and their businesses but I truly believe that we will get through this and Cumbria and the UK will bounce back. We can all do small things to look out for vulnerable people, phone people and be sensible with our shopping; there is no need to panic buy, as the supermarkets are working to ensure supplies are stocked up.”
There has also been an amazing response to the Government’s GoodSAM appeal with 405,000 people volunteering in the first 24 hours. “If you are fit and healthy and would like to volunteer to provide non-emergency services – such as delivering prescriptions, supplies or providing phone support for those in isolation, I would urge you to do so - please visit https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS. There is also a wealth of local activity and initiatives and you can register your interest at www.supportcumbria.org.uk.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to all of those who are on the front line, working tirelessly in the NHS, keeping the supply chains going, and keeping the vulnerable safe and cared for. Once again, I urge everyone to continue to follow the NHS and the Government’s advice. Above all: Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.
