During this difficult time for the country, I recognise the extreme disruption the necessary actions are having on people’s lives, their businesses, their jobs and the nation’s economy.
We know this will not be a short battle – beating Coronavirus will take months, not weeks but the Government is keeping all the current restrictions, and any further action that might be required, under constant review and they will be relaxed if and when the evidence shows we are able to.
My staff and I continue to do what we can to assist local residents on a whole range of issues related to the current situation, some very traumatic and sensitive. We do ask for your patience as we are receiving an overwhelming amount of correspondence and it is just not possible to respond to everyone immediately.
I am in constant touch with Staffordshire Police who join me in asking everyone, and especially those considered vulnerable, to please stay at home.
It is really important that residents considered vulnerable should stay at home – this means not going out - with family, friends or neighbours dropping off shopping to them.
The Police advise that for the rest of us, any exercise should be taken close to your home. They have found people who have travelled to all manner of open spaces to take exercise, not just country parks, the advice is quite simple – stay at home.
The reality is the way ahead is hard and many lives will sadly be lost. But as we have so many times in the past, the people of the United Kingdom will rise to this current challenge and we will beat the Coronavirus together. At this moment of national emergency – it is vital that we all stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.