What a difference a week makes. As I sit down to write my weekly update I reflect that none of us would have thought just a week ago that we would now be living under the absolutely necessary restrictions that we are.

If there is one message that I must give you this week it is that by heeding Government advice in socially distancing ourselves from others and observing self-isolation then together we will beat this virus.

There is nothing more important right now than following those principles and caring for one another. If we do that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a way back to normality.

There are no photographs this week but lots has been happening, I have:

• Questioned the Chief Scientific Officer, Sir Patrick Vallance, and NHS Chief Executive, Sir Simon Stevens, about COVID-19 as a member of the health select committee.
• Asked ministers about a number of topics about Covid-19, including
  • Support for Key Workers to operate during the outbreak including the provision of pop-up supermarkets especially for key workers, Covid 19 testing for NHS and Social Care workers, and the distribution of PPE.
  • Financial support for a range of businesses including the hospitality industry, the travel industry, local childcare providers and other SMEs.
  • Support for the HGV industry to ensure the continuity of supplies around the UK
  • Fed in list of key workers
  • Got the gov.uk webpage to re-write advice guidance on isolation which wasn’t clear
  • Protection for renters during the Covid 19 outbreak 
• Helped structure a single point of contact for volunteering locally and asking for help when self-isolating: 01455 632 984 or www.nextgenhinckley.org
• Took part in a conference call with Chief Constable Simon Cole and other MPs where we discussed keeping local people safe at this time.
• Have directed my team and I to react as quickly as possible to COVID 19 casework to answer queries, raise issues to government, and signpost to correct support agencies
• Spoke to the local Police and Fire departments to check all in place and deal with issues arising
• Worked with Bill Cullen, the Chief Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to share information
• Issued a joint statement with Cllr Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council about how we will work together during the current crisis.
• Produced a number of videos, which you can see on my Facebook Page and website, to explain to constituents about Coronavirus.
• Updated my website with a directory of Coronavirus information: https://www.drlukeevans.org.uk/coronavirus

Life is not going to be always like this. Hinckley and Bosworth is a proud community and things will get better, hopefully very soon, but until it does I call on everyone to heed government advice, take care and stay safe.