Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 23rd April 2020) below:
Staying In
Lots of progress has been made in the fight against Covid-19 and the threat it poses to our bay, yet there is still more to be done.
Extending the current restrictions was not an easy decision, yet the scientific and medical advice was clear. The rate of infection is reducing however we could risk a dangerous resurgence if the current rules are removed too early. This means at least two more weeks of being asked to stay at home, leaving home only for exercise, shopping for essentials and for work if it cannot be done from home.
We can all be proud of those doing their bit on the frontline of this fight here in the bay, yet the staying at home front is equally vital if we are to get this deadly threat under control.
Our bay has not been as badly affected as other areas so far, yet for this to continue we all must continue to do our bit in the coming weeks.
Nightingale Exeter
The conversion of conference centres into hospitals in a few weeks has shown the level of expertise in our military and NHS, plus the way it can be brought to bear when our nation is under threat.
Now the same will happen at Exeter’s Westpoint Centre as a 200 bed Nightingale Hospital is created there to give extra support to our region’s NHS
I hope its full capacity will not be needed, yet its creation is a vital part of preparing our region for what might happen as we cannot start building a facility like this the day the first patient would need to use it.
Captain Tom
At difficult times we all look for inspiration and this came in the sight of a 99-year-old war hero doing a sponsored walk in his garden.
75 years ago, Captain Tom Moore was on the frontline in the war against Japan, now 100 laps for his 100th birthday has raised millions for NHS Charities. He was given a deserved guard of honour by troops from his old regiment as he finished his 100th lap.
Fake Pay Rise Claim
Despite some claims, MPs are not getting a £10K bonus, pay rise or any extra personal payment to work from home. It would be wrong if we were and I would donate it to charity if this claim had been true.
The amount referred to is an extension of existing budgets for staff and office costs, not salary. Spending under these budgets must be itemised and no block payment is made, most MPs will use none or only part of it.
Surgery Times
Based on current advice relating to the Coronavirus I have cancelled my regular advice surgeries and drop-in sessions at my East St Office until further notice.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone call surgery appointment can be arranged. Please note due to the current level of demand these telephone surgeries are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation nationally.
You can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
