Richmond and Kingston Covid-19 Update: April 6
I have received a lot of positive feedback from constituents who are seeing increased awareness of and respect for the government's social distancing and stay at home guidance. Thank you to everyone who is making sacrifices to help reduce pressure on the NHS. I am especially happy to report that joggers and cyclists are getting into the habit of giving people two meters of space when passing them.
There are still some people insisting on continuing with their usual activities, though, which is a source of anxiety to many as well as a physical risk to all of us. The police are authorised to respond to those who are not complying, so if you are worried about a particularly egregious breach of the government's instructions, you can report it to the Met Police by phoning 101, sending the Met Police a direct message on Twitter using @metcc or by using their special reporting tool online at https://www.met.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures/
With Easter weekend coming up, I would like to remind everyone that the government has instructed those people who have a holiday home not to go there for the long weekend. Second homes are often in locations that are not equipped to handle an influx of visitors under current circumstances, so please stay at home this weekend.
Following the government's instructions is going to be hard for all of us, but especially hard for certain groups of people. Here are some resources for people who may be especially worried right now:
Pregnant women
Maternity advice related to covid-19, especially job-related advice, is available from Maternity Action here: https://maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/
People supporting someone with a terminal illness
Marie Curie's dedicated Support Line is now open 7 days a week to assist you on the phone at 0800 090 2309 or via web chat: https://bit.ly/2Urs5nu"
People living with cancer
MacMillan's latest guidance and advice on treatment, home isolation, financial matters and wellbeing can follow them on Twitter using @macmillancancer or see their website at https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus
Dog owners
The Kennel Club have updated their website with information and guidance for dog owners that is being constantly developed in line with the latest government guidance. If you are concerned about the impact this lockdown is having on your dog, please go to https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/. Please remember that everyone is being asked to keep dogs on leads in the parks and open spaces in this constituency.
Young people
Richmond Mind has published some great advice for young people who are feeling overwhelmed by the changes to their lives. Find it here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
They also recommend reaching out to child-focused charities including Childline or The Mix, and want to remind young people that they are not alone.
All residents of any age
For parents, and local residents of any age, Southwest London has opened a