The Government is leading a cross-government drive to defeat the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) and has promised to keep the public informed every step of the way.
On Tuesday 23rd June, the Prime Minister updated the House of Commons on the next steps in easing the coronavirus lockdown. This includes the re-opening of pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers. You can find more information on the new guidelines here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-easing-of-lockdown-restrictions-23-june-2020
If yourself or anyone in your house has symptoms, including a fever or new persistent cough, then you all self-isolate for 14 days.
As a result of the Government’s medical advice surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak, my office staff will be working at home as much as possible.
The constituency office staff will be working on a rota basis so that at any one time there will only be one person in the office.
Please try and restrict contact to email. At this unique time, telephone conversations will be difficult and we will be our prioritising the urgent and essential cases that are raised by constituents. With that in mind, please be aware that, depending on the nature of your correspondence, it may not be possible to respond to your email so please check the online advice before getting in contact.
Advice For Vulnerable Groups And The Elderly
The Government is currently prioritising protecting the most vulnerable in society, namely the elderly, where there is a maximum risk of exposure. The new adult social care guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-adult-social-care-guidance-to-protect-the-most-vulnerable-against-covid-19 . This includes recommending those who show any symptoms, including a fever or persistent cough, to not visit care homes and should self-isolate at home.
The Government is also advising that those with underlying health conditions or over 70s self-isolate.
Age UK have also issued their own advice: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/ .
If you have any concerns about anything else, including welfare, care or housing, they can contact Age UK’s free advice line, 8am-7pm : 0800 055 6112.
Consular Hotline For British Citizens Abroad
If you are a British citizen living abroad and have any concerns, the hotline number is 02070081500.
Effect On Face-To-Face Assessments
From the 17th March the Department for Work and Pensions is suspending all scheduled face-to-face assessments for the next three months and will be contacting claimants to let them know. Alternative arrangements will be put in place, asking claimants to seek assessments over the phone or on paper when possible.
Up To Date Guidance
The NHS and Government are constantly updating their guidance online. I recommend that all constituents keep up to date with the daily recommendations and follow the expert guidance.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
The Latest Government Advice Will Appear Below: