How we can help those still out and about

OF course, in singling out people who are helping keep Rossendale together, it would be remiss to only talk about businesses and shopping.

Many of us, when the Government told people to work from home, were able to do just that. Cue jokes about video conference calls in fancy dress, and organising tea breaks around episodes of Homes Under the Hammer (still hoping to re-watch the Bacup cinema episode at some point!)

But for many others, that’s not an option - and it must be very worrying to be being told by the Government to ‘socially distance’ on the one hand, knowing you can’t at work.

According to Government figures, there are 2,000 people working in education who live in Rossendale and a further 2,000 who work in ‘human health and social work’ activities - combined that’s 20% of the population here in Rossendale.

A further 2,000, so another 10%, work in transportation and storage, and 4,000 in manufacturing.

Around 4,500 are listed as working in wholesale and retail trade or the repair of motor vehicle - again 20% of the population.

Oh, and 1,000 in ‘accommodation and food services’. 1,750 in construction.

The list goes on.

From bus drivers to nurses, doctors to mechanics, teachers to shop staff - it’s a lot of people who are continuing to work because they have to - and because we need them too.

What can we do? Do our best to help them by sticking to the Government’s hygiene rules and remember, at all times, that they’re in a stressful situation too.

The Scribbler’s views do not necessarily represent those of the Free Press.