We are facing a national challenge of a scale that we have not faced in peacetime. People are worried about their health, their jobs and their ability to buy food when they need it.
The Government has got stuck in to all these areas, with massive support, and more to come.
But this is not an emergency that can be addressed simply by calling the emergency services. This time, we, the People, need to stand up and be part of the fight. By leaving the health services as free as possible to focus on the virus, by moderating our own food shopping habits, by avoiding unnecessary contacts, we will be helping to win this war.
To be clear:
Do not go to crowded areas;
Do not visit vulnerable family members if you have any symptoms;
Keep two metres apart from other people as much as possible;
If anyone in your household develops symptoms, the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days;
If you live alone and develop symptoms, you must self-isolate for 7 days;
Continue to regularly wash your hands.
As a community we will shield all those over the age of 70 and all those with underlying medical conditions from contact with this virus. Parish Councils, Town Councils and churches have created community volunteer groups to provide shopping and delivery support to their communities, co-ordinated and supported by the District Councils and Norfolk County Council.
If you are able and you are in a low risk category, please volunteer. You can find out where to do so from this link to my website which will remain updated: https://www.jeromemayhew.org.uk/coronavirus-advice-0
This is our opportunity to stand up and be counted to protect those who have to be shielded—the most vulnerable in our society including the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions—and that is both a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate our cohesiveness as a society and also our fundamental duty to look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Let us show ourselves that we are part of a great national community, worthy of our forbears and a standard for generations to come.
