MP's column: You can help save lives by sticking to the coronavirus advice

I don’t know what you were planning to do when you got up this morning.

But it probably didn’t involve saving someone’s life.

But it’s no exaggeration that during this Coronavirus crisis there are simple things you can do urgently TODAY which really will save people’s lives.

The Prime Minister has announced dramatic curbs on movement.

They are needed because the death rate from Coronavirus is significant. One in twenty for the over 70s who catch it, not much less than one in ten for the over 80s. And even young, fit healthy people can also be killed by this disease.

So, to fight the virus, people will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes:

- Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible

- One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of

your household;

- Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and

- Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be

done from home.

That’s all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.

If you do go out, keep your distance – stay the length of a tall person apart if you are queuing.

Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, particularly when you come home.

People with any symptoms, people who are 70 or over, and those with underlying conditions need to go much further and self isolate now.

This means what it says on the tin: don't go out at all, and ask others to bring you anything you need.

Please act now and encourage others to do so - this is desperately serious. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.

You can also make a big difference to people to needy people around Harborough in the coming weeks and months.

Huge numbers of people will be self-isolating, and will need someone to bring them shopping or prescriptions.

A number of local groups are trying to help these people.

I am keeping a constantly-updated list on my website: https://www.neilobrien.org.uk/coronavirus

There you can find phone numbers and websites if you need help, or you want to volunteer to help.

Harborough District Council has launched an online ‘hub’ seeking information about voluntary groups in the district offering support to residents which will be shared on the Council’s website at www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus People will have many questions about how to manage and how to help in the coming months.

The government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus contains information on everything from health advice to support for businesses.

The government will pay 80% of the wages of people who are not needed at work by their employer in the coming months – more than any other country. Universal Credit has been made

more generous and restrictions on claims by self employed people have been removed. I’m also pressing for further help for the self-employed on top – watch this space.

People can contact me on [email protected] or on 01858 464146.

We will beat this deadly virus if we pull together, follow the health advice and look after others in the community around us.