Reporting Back: COVID-19

Reporting Back: COVID-19

I know this is a very worrying time for many. I want to ensure my constituents have the most up to date, accurate and straightforward information about COVID-19.

I would first like to pay tribute to the fantastic work done by our public services and all those working tirelessly in the NHS to help tackle this virus.

The Government response to this outbreak will evolve as circumstances change, so it’s vital that people keep up to date with the latest advice from Public Health England, which is updated regularly at the below web address.

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

This page covers important information including:

• Guidance when self-isolating
• Up to date NHS information about COVID-19
• Travel advice
• Guidance for health professionals and other organisations
• Information for schools and businesses
• Number of COVID-19 cases in the UK

From today (16^th March) the Government will be delivering daily press conferences hosted by the Prime Minister and senior Ministers on the coronavirus pandemic, supported by scientific and medical experts including the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser.

The Government’s approach continues to be guided by the science. This is the right approach.

This is now not just to attempt to contain the disease as far as possible, but to delay its spread and thereby minimise the suffering. Moving on to the delay phase will mean that:

• If you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild – either a new continuous cough or a high temperature – then you should stay at home for at least 7 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.

As circumstances evolve the Government will go further, however, at the time of writing (16^th March) the above advice remains true.

The best scientific advice is that this will help us slow the disease and save lives. There will be detailed information available on the NHS website and from 111 online.

Today, the Prime Minister will continue to engage with international partners to ensure a coordinated global response to the outbreak, with all G7 leaders participating in a call to discuss international efforts.

The Prime Minister encourages fellow leaders to support the WHO response, provide funding and expertise for research that can ensure rapid progress to develop a vaccine, and drive forward support to mitigate the economic impacts of the crisis.

I also thought it would be useful to share a link to an article written by the Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance which goes into more detail about the Government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/its-a-national-effort-to-win-coronavirus-fight-we-all-have-crucial-part-to-play

As your MP I will be updating my website and social media regularly to ensure constituents have that up to date information. I am also in contact with a range of local organisations to help in the community response in north Norwich. There is a lot we can all do to help each other, behave responsibly and save suffering.