TALKING POLITICS Let’s be there for each other – no exceptions

Hello Advertiser readers during what is a testing time for everyone across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

We are living in unprecedented, worrying and uncertain times. But we will get through it if we stick together.

There has been a lot of hysteria being spouted while some people are also behaving flippantly; I’d suggest the right type of behaviour is somewhere in between.

This virus should be taken seriously, but with the precautions put in place and individuals taking responsibility, such as increasing hand washing and keeping a distance, then people showing no signs of symptoms will be able to go about our business as close to normal as possible.

We do need to look out for the most vulnerable; there won’t be a family among us who doesn’t have someone who is either diabetic, asthmatic, over 70 or pregnant.

It is these people the virus is a particular threat to and we must ensure that we take every precaution possible.

Some of the sights we have seen around panic buying of in demand products has also been unpalatable.

It is in times like these we recognise the individuals, and collectively the communities, we are.

The goodwill and kindness I have observed thus far has far outweighed any negativity.

People are following the government advice on social distancing, offering to assist those who are vulnerable and having to self isolate.

During the earlier days of this situation, when we were all unsure of what was to be announced, like many of you, my family and I had been trying to carry on as normal – my kid was sent to school and I down to Westminster to get on with the job of representing you all.

We now know even that level of normality is to be severely disrupted due to the school closures implemented last Friday and the instructions to keep children away from the elderly.

It’s clearly an ever-changing situation, so I encourage you all to take the guidelines on social gathering in even small numbers seriously, continue with regular hand washing and follow such advice as keeping kids away from those in the vulnerable categories.

We will come through this, in no small part down to the fantastic community spirit all across Monklands.

Please ensure that those close to you – friends, neighbours and strangers – have what they need and are in good spirits.

Let’s all be there for each other with no exceptions.

My website – www. stevenbonnar.scot – is full of all the relevant details on coronavirus and useful links.

Due to the ongoing guidelines, my surgeries are cancelled until further notice.

My office is closed too, however my team are equipped and working from home.

There will be no face-to-face meetings until the situation changes.

But if you require any assistance during this time, then please contact my office either by phone or email and your enquiry will receive our full attention.

The way we work is having to change, but my team and I will be here for anything required.

Community spirit Mr Bonnar has urged the people of Monklands to rally during this difficult time