Why we need 1.5m people to stay home for 12 weeks

WE are facing a huge challenge on a scale not seen since the Second World War. It’s not just a national emergency, it’s a global emergency – one which puts some of us at more risk than others. The choices that we must make over the coming days and weeks can save many lives.

That means families making big sacrifices – especially today, on Mother’s Day. It’s so important that we speak to our loved ones as much as we can – whether that’s FaceTime or a phone call. But for now, we must practise social distancing in order to tackle the spread of the virus.

We need to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. But while we create physical distance between ourselves, we must at the same time have closer social support for our neighbours.

I am writing in The Mail on Sunday today to directly address your concerns and update you on some of the steps we are taking to shield those at the highest risk and support them through this period.

Already people have been asked to limit their activities, be restricted to non-essential contact and to stay at home for 14 days, if you or anyone in your household begins to show a symptom.

Now pubs, bars and restaurants have closed to limit the spread of the virus and the Government has set out exceptional measures to support workers and businesses until this is over.

Today, the Government has set out the next steps we must take to ensure those who are most at risk if they contract coronavirus are protected. The Chief Medical Officer has identified those underlying health conditions that make people more vulnerable. This means up to 1.5 million people. We are asking this group to follow this specific guidance and to stay at home for at least the next 12 weeks. And shielding this group is one of the most vital things that we can do.

I know those of you in this group will be worried and none of us would wish to worry you unduly, but it is now necessary to take these steps for your protection. People who fit in this category will shortly be contacted with detailed advice on behalf of the NHS and their GP practice or specialist on how to best protect themselves.

You will also be thinking about the practicalities of life at home for a prolonged period, from obtaining medicines and food, access to carers, looking after pets and to contact with friends and the outside world. As Communities Secretary, I want you to know that you will not face this alone. I have been working closely with local councils and local partners across the country and we have established a new community support network in England.

We will ensure those self-isolating at home in this category and who don’t have family, friends and neighbours as support, will receive the food and medical supplies they need, for as long it takes.

We are working with community pharmacies for medicines; supermarkets for food; and voluntary groups to provide delivery of items, prioritising the most vulnerable. This is only possible thanks to our incredible NHS and social care workers, local council employees and businesses.

The Armed Forces will support us. They are already helping Local Resilience Forums and councils on their coronavirus response plans. Our military planners are some of the finest in the world, and they are at the heart of our local planning.

RED tape and bureaucracy also won’t slow support down – I’m giving councils maximum flexibility to respond to local demands. And like the NHS, councils and social care providers will have the financial resources they need.

Time and time again throughout our history, the people of this country have shown the courage to rise to the challenge before us. Let us ensure that vulnerable and older people are left in no doubt of their importance and of our determination to protect them as best we can.

Let’s think of them when we go shopping, wash our hands and cancel social engagements we have been looking forward to. Let’s ensure they have the medicines, the food and supplies, the lawn mowed, the pet walked, the phone call made, the knock on the window, the friendly wave. The small acts of thoughtfulness, kindness and love.

There will come a day soon when the streets will throng, the pubs, shops, cafes, bars and parks will hum again. We will get through this. Let’s ensure we are a stronger society, who loves their neighbours, proud of the part we played.