We will emerge stronger when this crisis is finally over

At this time of national emergency, my thoughts are with everyone suffering from Covid19, those who have lost loved ones to this terrible virus and the incredible workers serving the county in so many selfless ways.

We all owe so much to NHS staff working around the clock to look after the sick, often at great personal risk.

We think not only of those with coronavirus but also people who need urgent care and attention for other medical conditions.

We express our deepest gratitude to staff working in retail, keeping us supplied with food; to our farmers and growers, to drivers delivering to supermarkets, other food outlets and homes across the county; and to all who are playing their part across our county.

We should remember those in care homes, many unable to leave their rooms and welcome loved ones and their dedicated carers.

I am grateful to all of you who are helping others in whatever ways you can. These are anxious times for us all but especially the vulnerable.

Members of the Lieutenancy across Kent and Medway are contributing wherever they can and where possible, would be happy to support any local initiatives.

We are here to assist those who need us. Please feel free to contact us via our Twitter page @ LordLieutKent or our Facebook page @lordlieutkent

We all hope and pray that this emergency ends soon but I recognise that it will be some time before things get back to normal.

That means staying at home as much as we can, to prevent the spread of the virus saving lives and safeguarding the NHS.

Meanwhile, we must help each other, care for those who need our assistance, keep in touch with those who seek comfort and always thank those working to keep us safe and supplied with the essentials of life.

This crisis will end and I firmly believe we will emerge from it stronger and an even more caring and successful county.

Stay safe and look out for others.

Viscount De L’Isle