At the time of writing there has just been some positive news that Boris Johnson is in a stable condition in Intensive Care, does not have pneumonia and is breathing without a ventilator. I wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery and hope that he takes the time to rest and recover properly. He has a strong team around him in the Cabinet and Dom Raab shares his work ethic and will work round the clock to lead our response to this dreadful virus. Concerns about what happens constitutionally at this time are valid but I hope that journalists can respect a certain amount of privacy for the Prime Minister, his family and the NHS staff who are caring for him.
I know that the attention given to Boris must be hard for those with family members of their own in hospital or those who may have lost loved ones. No life is more important than another and I hope that no one is made to feel this way. Politicians from all sides of the political conversation have sent best wishes to him whilst saying this is no time to play party politics. I am sure I am not alone in thinking, “When do you think is a good time?”. We should always be able to disagree with people whilst respecting them and not always looking to score points.
This week the 750,000 volunteers who have signed up to support the NHS will start getting asked for help through the App which allows health professionals, pharmacists and Local Authorities to get in touch and ask for support in helping vulnerable people. I know that many here in Somerset have signed up and our community spirit continues to be brilliant.
Somerset County Council now have a single number that you can call for advice about coronavirus which is 0300 790 6275. It offers help for all sorts of issues raised by the current restrictions including if you need help with deliveries of food or prescriptions.
At this time, it is still the job of MPs to lobby Government and represent their constituents even though things are working a little bit differently. Some of the issues that I have written to the Government on formally are help for Limited Company owners, often small businesses or sole practitioners; encouraging gardening during this time as a way to promote good health and wellbeing and also be closer to our local food produce; and also seeking some reassurance that controversial planning decisions will not be taken without proper opportunity for the community to be engaged.
The Government has been making positive changes with support for the self-employed and also a change to the Job Retention Scheme meaning that people who left previous jobs after the 28th February can be registered. This remains a very difficult time but it won’t last forever and we must all make sure we follow the rules in place so that we get back to normal.