COVID-19

On this page you will find updates and guidance regarding the ongoing situation with Covid-19. We will update it as regularly as possible.

The most important thing to state is that it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the guidance from the Government. Updates and advice on a range of components can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

I understand that this is a deeply worrying time for many people in this country and I will try to provide information where I can. This is a vast challenge for the economy, society and, most acutely, our NHS, and I will continue to work with local and national stakeholders to manage our response.

If you have a very specific concern or would like clarification, please do email me and I will be sure to provide you with as much assistance as possible.

The current Government advice for individuals is as below:

Help control the virus

There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other

  • Wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
  • Cover face - wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
  • Make space - stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precaution

If you have coronavirus symptoms:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

Get a test now

Do not leave home for at least 10 days after your test. 

New guidance for businesses permitted to open from 4th July

The government has produced updated guidance on those businesses permitted to open from 4th July, and those which must remain closed. Please see below for further information:

Opening certain businesses and venues in England from 4 July 2020

Additional guidance has been produced on meeting people outside of their household and can be found here:

Meeting people from outside your house from 4 July

New guidance on face coverings 

In England, you must wear a face covering by law in the following settings:

  • public transport
  • indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
  • shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
  • indoor shopping centres
  • banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)

You are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave.

Attachments

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COVID-19 Advice 733 KB
Advice for my constituents 255.32 KB

News

My latest column - 18th June 2020

It seems like only yesterday that I was writing in this column about the need to ‘stay at home’ at the height of the pandemic. That was around Easter, as lockdown became all embracing, and even a vague sense of ‘normality’ returning seemed very distant indeed.

My latest column - 21st May 2020

I appreciate that some readers may have been confused when the Prime Minister recently made his Sunday broadcast switching our principal instructive slogan from ‘stay home’ to ‘stay alert’.

My latest column - 16th April 2020

On Tuesday I received an email of historic proportions from the Speaker of the House of Commons, informing me that we were likely to meet as a ‘virtual Parliament’ next week.

COVID-19 crisis leaves Sudbury couple stranded in Indian hospital

A Sudbury couple have been left stranded in a poorly-maintained Indian hospital after one of their party tested positive for coronavirus.

But their family are campaigning for the Foreign Office and the Indian authorities to transfer them to more appropriate facilities.

My statement on Coronavirus - 18th March 2020

When it comes to Coronavirus there is no point beating around the bush. We face the most profound societal, economic and – above all – public health challenge since the Second World War.