We saw the first cases of Covid19 in York at the end of January, this alerted the city to the risk of Coronavirus. Less than two months on our whole lives are being turned upside down, however, far more needs to be done.
Already bars, theatres, leisure facilities and schools have been shut down. We will increasingly see more stringent measures taken as we have to protect each other from the risk of infection. It is vital that we all play our part and do everything asked of us. We must minimalise the spread of Coronavirus here in York. Sadly we know that each day more people have contracted the virus in York, and the numbers are increasing. The UK is just 2 weeks behind Italy which is now experiencing devastating levels of serious poor health and tragically deaths.
Rachael Maskell MP says:
“This is really important. We all have a role to play to save lives in our community. Even if you are feeling well in yourself, you could still spread the infection. Do not go closer than 2 metres to anyone else. The danger is invisible, but it is there. I have been shocked at the sheer volume of people who are ignoring this advice – don’t.”
“Limiting contact, as difficult as this is as it goes against every human instinct is the best thing you can do for someone. We may not have the levels of deaths yet, but we are just 2 weeks behind Italy, and unless we change our ways NOW, our hospitals will not have the capacity to treat everyone, and our mortuaries will be full. We must take this very seriously.”
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central has been focused on ensuring that people are safe and people are financially secure throughout this period. It is vital that everyone socially distances themselves from each other. It may seem strange and it is certainly unnatural, but we need to get through this with the minimum number of cases possible. Other hygiene measures such as washing our hands and catching our coughs and sneezes in a tissue are also vital.
As a member of the Shadow Cabinet, Rachael continues to work on the financial settlement to ensure that no-one is left without enough money to pay the bills or buy food. Much progress has been made, but more will need to be done. I am also raising all issues people put to me with the relevant Government Department.
Rachael Maskell MP added:
“I have made significant changes to the way that I work here in York too. I am here for you, but am having to do my work in different ways. I am still contactable via email: Rachael.Maskell.mp@parliament.uk and will be picking up phone messages regularly from 01904 623713.
“I will be running up to 3 surgeries a week from 1pm – 8pm. I will be conducting these over the phone, so will need your phone number and preferably an outline of your situation. To book an appointment please email me.
Tuesdays – For businesses
Wednesdays – For residents
Thursdays – to pick up issues concerning health and social care
“If you are in need of any support, are finding isolation difficult and feeling lonely, need someone to deliver things to you or have got other issues to raise, I am always here for you. We will be signposting people to relevant organisations who are best placed to help you.
“I recognise that a lot is being asked of everyone at the moment. We must not panic, but must all play our role to make sure that York remains as safe as possible.”