Winter always brings extra challenges for our National Health Service so we always knew this would be very much increased during a global pandemic. Models put together by our leading scientist show an increasingly concerning picture, guiding the Prime Minister’s decision to act now. Although in the Chichester District we may feel far removed from the worst of the outbreak, the data for our area is worsening with our infection rates rapidly rising, which in time, if left unchecked, will translate to more cases. A situation made only harder as in many cases people are asymptomatic, so we’re often living alongside the virus without knowing it.
No one wanted to reintroduce these draconian measures, but to protect our most vulnerable, tough decisions have to be made. From Thursday, you must stay at home. Except for education, work (if you cannot work from home), exercise, medical reasons, to shop for food and essentials, to provide care for vulnerable people, to volunteer, or to escape injury or harm.
This national lockdown is not the same as the previous one. We’ve legislated that in four weeks it will come to an end, at which point, it is hoped the R-number will be below one, and we can return to a more measured and localised approach.
We are making progress in our fight against the virus and learning more every day. We’ve now reached 519,770 testing capacity, and our rapid testing programme is taking off. My home City, Liverpool, is at the forefront, with a pilot offering everyone a test and a follow up in two weeks, these rapid results can be returned within the hour. The pilot aims to limit the spread of the virus by identifying as many infected people as possible, taking action to break chains of transmission.
I know that for many businesses another lockdown is deeply concerning. That is why the Chancellor has continued, and expanded, the support on offer; including a continuation of the furlough scheme, more generous support to the self-employed - increasing from 40% of trading profits to 80% for November. As well as extending the application deadlines for Loan Schemes till January next year. We’re also offering grants worth up to £3,000 per month to support businesses forced to close.
This process won’t be easy for anyone, so if you need extra help please reach out to West Sussex County Council’s Community Hub who are on hand 8.00am - 8.00pm, seven days a week: 033 022 27980 – or get in touch with me, gillian.keegan.mp@parliament.uk