The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest threat this country has faced in generations, the devastating impact of this invisible killer can be seen worldwide.
Last month I voted to pass the Coronavirus Bill, giving the government all of the necessary powers to slow and prevent the spread of the virus.
Further, the government have announced an unprecedented support package; protecting jobs, the economy and families. Locally I have dealt with a lot of queries from local businesses owners and have pointed them in the direction of some of these fantastic government schemes.
I, alongside my North Wales colleagues have been working hard to ensure that some of these measures also come to Wales, safeguarding our most vulnerable.
My role as MP has shifted in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Instead of going out to the community to meet you, my meetings have been taking place via skype, zoom and telephone. Whilst this is disappointing, it is a temporary measure and I’ll be back out there shortly meeting many of you.
A key part of my role during this crisis is ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary information to keep themselves and others safe.
I have been working to ensure that this information is accessible to everybody, for example, by putting an information directory on my website; sharing information across my social media platforms; delivering information packs to supermarkets and pharmacies; and by trying to gain financial support for local newspapers to act as a distributor of advice.
At a time when we are asking individuals to stay at home, it is especially important that we do all that we can to maintain links to the outside world and to ensure everyone has access to all of the necessary information – not just those with a computer or a smartphone.
It is true that in times of crisis we often see people at their best, and Wrexham residents are no exception. We have seen heart-warming gestures throughout our town as communities come together in moving displays of gratitude by clapping for our carers, residents’ resourcefulness in making PPE through 3D printing, and providing support to the vulnerable and those encountering difficulties.
Among those affected by this is our children and their education. Earlier this month I launched a drawing competition and received some excellent submissions from children across Wrexham. Despite the school closures it is vital that we keep our children learning and their schedules as similar to the school timetable as possible.
Aimed at lessening the effects of the virus on our students’ educations, Glyndwr University have launched a distance learning module, preparing students to study at higher education by covering subjects such as essay writing and study planning.
I’d like to take this opportunity to pay thanks to Wrexham’s key workers and dedicated NHS staff, who are working tirelessly to keep us safe.
I recently spent the day patrolling with Wrexham’s police officers, looking at how they’re carrying out their new duties under the new legislation, feeding back to the government what is and isn’t working.
As a former nurse, I couldn’t sit back and watch former colleagues fight the coronavirus battle on my behalf, that is why I signed up to the coronavirus temporary register to offer my hand of support in this time of national crisis.
Whilst there were initial problems with application process here in Wales and having to re-register, I have spoken to the Welsh Labour Government to address these problems and am eagerly awaiting my call to return to the frontline.
We all have a role to play in the battle against coronavirus, whether that’s volunteering in your community, donning our scrubs and returning to the frontline, or simply staying at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus, together we will beat this virus.
If there is anything I can do to help you during this difficult time please don’t hesitate to contact me via the details below:
Email: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk
Phone: 020 7219 4885 | 01978 291742
Post: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
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