Stay home, protect our NHS and save lives!

Social distancing really does not have to be anti-social

The shock of the Prime Minister being taken into hospital, then into intensive care, has reinforced the ‘stay home and save lives’ message. This is something we must take to heart over Easter.

There may be signs that, by staying home, we are helping to slow the progress of COVID-19. With fine weather on the cards for this weekend, please carry on playing your part, don’t go out unless you really have to.

My daily exercise has tended to be a brisk walk around my area. Automatically now, either we, or the people we meet, move to the other side of the road, yet we still return a cheery wave. The message is clear – we are all in this together. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. I have taken to video conferencing big-time. People are adapting, and even sometimes having fun. But they are keeping to the rules set by government, and saving lives.

Last Thursday, my wife and I collected our saucepans and banged the lids against them like fury. My wife said I started too early, but I don’t care. It was inspiring to see so many people on their doorsteps, applauding our NHS and care staff.

Today, there was a thumbs up to the delivery people bringing food to our stores, medicines to where they are needed – recognition to all those still working and fighting the war against this virus. Thank you and well done to you all.

Many of us will know people now battling with COVID-19; increasingly I am hearing stories of lost friends and loved ones, people I know. Let us keep up social distancing for as long as we need to, avoid prolonging the impact of this virus.

I know how much you all love our wonderful local parks and open spaces.  We need them to continue to be a welcome respite, for everyone to get fresh air and exercise.  You are using these spaces for your daily exercise and certainly the good weather conditions have encouraged more of you out into our parks.

But there is still a minority not adhering to the social distancing. We are working very closely with our police colleagues to encourage people to be responsible and adhere to the government’s advice – stay at least two metres away from other people – at least six foot if that’s easier to understand.

We will continue to assess and inspect many of our parks and open spaces on a daily basis and install further signage and security measures to help prevent the use of play and recreational facilities.  This is all to encourage responsible social distancing. Please enjoy our parks and open spaces – but responsibly.

On a different note, in these challenging and unprecedented times, let’s remain vigilant about the safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults.  You may be the only person who sees a particular individual. You may be best placed to spot concerns. 

COVID-19 has the potential to increase the risk to our most vulnerable children and adults, such as neglect, self-neglect, physical abuse, fraud or scams. If you have any concerns about someone being abused, or at risk of abuse, say so.  For adults please ring Adult Social Care on 0121 704 8007; for concerns about children, please ring 0121 788 4300. And if someone is in immediate danger call the Police.

Also, there is still free, confidential advice and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse . But if you are in immediate risk you must call 999 and if you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted.

On a positive note, local organisations are showing practical support for our NHS and care providers. 

Light Hall School in Shirley is helping out by making 3D printed visors whilst it’s closed. As they’ve explained, “they’re doing their bit for the NHS”. Thank you to Solihull College & University Centre for donating aprons, gloves, wipes and hand gel to our care workers; thank you Changan UK, who have provided masks.

Many more businesses, community groups and schools are doing lots to help us through this pandemic: on behalf of the Council, let me thank you all. If you, or your organisation, can offer support by way of donating personal protective equipment (PPE) for our frontline staff, please take a look at our website for these details of how you can.

I hope everyone who can, has a well deserved, peaceful and restful Easter break. 

For those who can put the pandemic behind them, at least for a day or two, please spare a thought for our NHS colleagues, our care workers, the emergency services, this council’s officers and all the others working over the weekend. They may be tending to the ill or vulnerable, delivering food or keeping our supermarkets fully stocked. 

Easter in the Christian tradition is about renewal after sacrifice, let us hope this year is no different and we can look to a brighter future.

Please, grant health, happiness and harmony to our people over Easter

‘Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives’.