Coronavirus

Coronavirus

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR INFORMATION:

Link to Government information on Coronavirus: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

Link to NHS information on Coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

Coronavirus is the most serious public health emergency that we have faced for a generation.

The actions of Public Health England and the NHS have already been exemplary.  During the initial phase the tracing of individuals in contact with those who have been infected has been highly effective.

These actions have slowed the spread of the virus in the UK.  They are one of the reasons why the UK is currently behind the rates of infection elsewhere in Europe.  This has bought us more time (at a point when the NHS traditionally faces high demand) to increase resilience.

We conducted our approach to tracing on the basis of the best available medical advice.  We will continue to act on that same advice.  At every stage the Government will take proportionate action.  Our objective is to protect and keep safe our citizens.

We will be asking people to take difficult steps to protect themselves and help others.  We are doing so because these steps are necessary to safeguard the health of vulnerable people and to reduce the spread of the virus.

Advice will be updated regularly as this evolves.  The link to Government information is above.  It contains detailed information and I would encourage everyone with concerns to read through what it contains.

I set out key points in the nearby tabs but PLEASE refer to the Government website above, the information it contains is more detailed and will be regularly updated as medical advice evolves to meet the threat.

Useful Links:

Link to West Sussex County Council Updates: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19/#1

Link to Horsham District Council Updates: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus

Link to Mid Sussex District Council Website: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/about-us/coronavirus-covid-19/

News

A Thank You To Teachers and Volunteers

Many local schools have expanded their intake this week and others plan to do so shortly.  Parents and pupils will be enormously grateful to heads, teachers and other members of staff for making this possible.

Getting the Economy Back on Track

Last week I held a series of calls on the economic effect of Covid on our local economy, among them with our Local Enterprise Partnership and with Job Centre Plus.

Stay Alert

Last week the Prime Minister set out a road map through which we can very carefully return closer towards normality. It is a slow and deliberate process.

Harnessing Resources to Beat the Virus

Whilst it was very sad that we could not gather in person to commemorate VE Day and the extraordinary generation that did so much to preserve our freedom and liberate much of Europe it was also lovely to see so many houses, schools and businesses adorned with Union Flags and bunting to commemorat

Action to Combat Covid-19 Related Scams and Frauds

Criminals are trying to take advantage of these challenging times to prey on the most vulnerable. In reality, anyone- not just the most vulnerable members of society- can be a victim of an online scam.

The NHS is There for Everyone

Last week saw the start of the first human trials globally for a Covid vaccine.  It has been developed by a team of scientists from Oxford. For them to take such a step so quickly – the virus was only isolated some 3 months ago -  is a truly remarkable achievement.

Further Expansion of Access to Coronavirus Testing

Yesterday the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, announced that anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms who either must go to work or is over 65 can now be tested. 

Those who can now be tested are:

Bounce Back Loans for Businesses

Yesterday the Government announced a new scheme for those in need of smaller loans. Businesses can apply for the Bounce Back Loans up to a maximum of £50,000, or 25% turnover, with the Government paying the interest for the first 12 months.