MP’S brush with virus brings home reality of tackling the pandemic
ASHBOURNE’S MP Sarah Dines says her own experience of suffering from coronavirus has brought home to her the seriousness of the situation – and the strength of the community’s resolve in tackling it.
The Derbyshire Dales MP, who was elected in December, has been in isolation alongside her family after she first started suffering “moderate” Covid-19 symptoms around six weeks ago. However Miss Dines says has been able to keep in touch with her constituents online and she feels the local response to the pandemic has made her even more proud to represent the district.
She said: “I know first-hand how horrible this virus can be and thankfully I have now rethat covered. I am just one of these millions of cases, and do not see myself as any more than that in terms of this horrible disease that has crossed the globe right into the heart of our communities, affecting so many of us.
“My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by coronavirus and to their friends, family and loved ones.
“This crisis, this national emergency, is all about my constituents’ worries and anxieties – this is what keeps me awake at night.”
Miss Dines says having experienced the effects of coronavirus, which she was able to manage from home by taking plenty of rest, has made her appreciate the NHS.
She said: “There were a lot of people worse off than me. I had it moderately, and it was very, very unpleasant and quite frightening.
“It’s made it very clear to me that we have to follow the Government advice, to shield people from this disease and protect them. We have to take scientific advice.”
Miss Dines is now firmly back in her role as the district’s MP and as a member of the Justice Select Committee, and she says she has been keeping up to speed with all the developments in the Derbyshire Dales as the community responds to the lockdown.
She said: “I’ve been keeping in connection with everybody, and I do have a very strong feeling of the community spirit.
“The people of Derbyshire Dales are really special, they’ve got a really strong community spirit.
“There are many unknowns at the moment, which can be incredibly worrying, but please do be reassured that the Government and all those that work within it are doing all they can to make sure the country survives this crisis.
“I am incredibly proud of the Government action, such as the help for businesses and for the self-employed, however there is no getting around the fact that this a difficult time for many. My message to you is I am here to help. Please do contact me with your concerns and I will do all that is in my power help as your representative to the Government.”
Miss Dines says she has been working with ministers, officials, Derbyshire police, councils and individuals to hear, raise and represent concerns to the highest level. Among the concerns she has been addressing is the reduction in revenue for dairy farmers, and she has raised this with George Eustice, Environment Secretary, and Minette Batters, of the NFU.
She has been speaking with business owners and those in the tourism sector to address the impact the virus will have on the industry and she has had regular discussions with Derbyshire police’s chief constable about keeping the area safe.
To raise issues with the MP, email sarah.dines.mp@parliament.uk or call 0207 2193000.
This crisis is all about my constituents’ worries and anxieties – this is what keeps me awake at night. Sarah Dines