Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 29th April 2020) below:
Progress
Real progress is being made in the fight against Covid-19, thanks to the way most people in our bay have accepted and followed the request to stay at home, unless leaving for specified reasons.
Torbay Hospital is coping well, infections across our region are lower than elsewhere and nationally things are on the turn, with the first clinical trials in humans of a potential vaccine. Yet we cannot be complacent about the deadly threat to our bay which remains by assuming a falling line on a graph means we can immediately go back to normal or look for an exemption every time we want to leave home.
A tragic reminder of what can happen if this virus spreads in our bay more widely came in the form of an outbreak at a Care Home in Paignton. Several residents have sadly died as a result. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones. It is unlikely we will ever be sure exactly how it first arrived in the home, but the virus does not move people, it is people who move the virus, hence we all need to do our bit in ensuring this is not repeated across our community.
Reviewing Lockdown
There is a lot of speculation around about what may or may not happen when the current restrictions are next reviewed.
Much of it is just that, speculation. The Government will be guided by the latest scientific and medical advice, plus studies of the situation in countries like Italy and Spain as they start to relax some of their restrictions, rather than some of the commentary we have seen in the national media.
Parliament Returns
The House of Commons returned last week, yet my “seat” was very different to usual as given the current circumstances those MPs not directly involved in items of business were asked to remain at home and follow proceedings via BBC Parliament. So rather than sitting on the green benches with colleagues I sat on the sofa with a cup of tea.
For the first time MPs have been allowed to take part in proceedings via “virtual” means, although for those wondering normal speaking rules (including Parliamentary Privilege) still apply, along with observing the Chamber Dress Code when doing so. Hence no contributions whilst wearing your Pyjamas!
On The Buses
A (telephone) meeting with the Buses Minister was a chance to raise two issues.
First the need for support for providing services in places like Babbacombe and Livermead to ensure bus pass holders have a service to use. The second was how we can deliver a more integrated network in future.
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.
