Video Update: https://www.facebook.com/KieranMullanUK/posts/727683801106156
The last 6 weeks volunteering regularly as a doctor at Leighton has been a huge privilege. I have seen staff trying their best to adapt to working in new ways, I've seen the usual head down and get on with it attitude that is part and parcel of the NHS and I have seen how valued the public support has been. Thanks to all the staff who have been so welcoming.
When MPs return to Parliament next week, I will be going back full time in my role as an MP. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about case work in recent weeks for their patience and thanks to my team for supporting me to ensure we have continued to respond to my constituents needs.
Changing of my scrubs
Being back on the front line has confirmed for me again that we need to invest as much as we can in the NHS and its staff.
Below there are updates on a new business grant, funding for charities, a new version of the certificate for children for those that have been going to school and a summary of the new social distancing rules and the track and trace programme.
Kieran
Dr Kieran Mullan
MP for Crewe & Nantwich
Lockdown changes-groups of six and shielded people
This FAQS is really helpful:
https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can…
The Prime Minister has announced that, from Monday, groups of up to six people can meet in public spaces and gardens, provided that all individuals are two meters apart. As the COVID-19 virus infection rate continues to fall, the Government will continue to gradually lift the lockdown restrictions in place. This includes going through someones home to access their garden.
In addition, from Monday shielded people are advised they can leave their homes once a day with others from their household or if they live alone meet up with one other person. But this group must be really strict with their social distancing when doing this.
Everybody Leisure
Physical activity is an important aspect of both physical and mental wellbeing. However, this can be difficult to do in the current climate when fitness centres and gyms are currently closed. That is why I am pleased to learn that Everybody Sport & Recreation are currently hosting daily Facebook Live home fitness classes . The timetable for these sessions can be found here:
https://everybody.org.uk/facebook-live-class-timetable/
On their website they also have a wide range of healthy eating guides, guidance for home workouts and healthy lifestyle tips. I would encourage my constituents to make use of these helpful local resources.
Test and Trace
The Government have introduced an NHS test and trace service which aims to ensure that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents. This service will also help trace individuals that have been recently in contact with individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.
We have introduced this service to help with the transition back to normal life following the COVID-19 lockdown while continuing to protect our NHS and social care sector. The service will allow us to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections and play a vital role in giving us early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally.
The NHS Test and Trace service has a 25,000 strong team of contract tracers, who will call individuals who have been exposed to the coronavirus from 0300 013 5000 or text them from ‘NHS’.
The Government are still currently developing the NHS coronavirus app, which is being trialled on the Isle of Wight. When this app is rolled out nationally it will supplement other forms of coronavirus contact tracing. I am optimistic that these measures will help the UK get back to normality whilst continuing to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Further information about the track and trace service can be found on the Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Business grants going live
On 2 May the Government announced a new discretionary grant for small businesses that didn’t fit the criteria for the existing grant schemes. Cheshire East have finalised their policy this week and applications will be open from 8am Monday 1 June 2020 8am
Applications can be made via https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-local-discret…
I would encourage all businesses that weren’t eligible for the existing grants to gather any information they feel will be useful, this could be evidence of continued costs as well as evidence of a drop of income and apply as soon as possible as I anticipate a high level of applications with a limited amount of funds to award. It is first come first serve so prepare your application today if you can so you can submit it first thing.
Funding for Charities
As part of the governments £750m package to help the charitable sector the Coronavirus Community Support Fund worth £200m is now open for applications via this link:
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/…
The Fund has two key objectives:
To increase community support to vulnerable people affected by the Covid-19 crisis, through the work of civil society organisations.
To reduce temporary closures of essential charities and social enterprises, ensuring services for vulnerable people impacted by Covid-19 have the financial resources to operate, and so reduce the burden on public services.
Charitable groups are making a huge difference across Crewe and Nantwich and I know this fund will help many of them continue with the vital work they do.
New Certificate
Due to the popularity of our certificate to thank children for staying at home, we didn't want the children of Key Workers who have gone to school to feel left out. That is why we have now made available an alternative certificate to thank those who have gone to school!
It is now available on my website:
https://www.drkieranmullan.org.uk/certificate-children-stay…
If you aren't able to print them out and would like one delivered to you please email kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk
Calling all Budding Photographers!
The Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich are currently running a 'life in lockdown' themed photography competition to raise money for charities impacted by Covid-19. All photos must be taken on a mobile phone and in some aspect reflect current life under lockdown. All entered photographs will be displayed in an exhibition at the rotary club’s next meeting where first, second and third prizes of £50, £30 and £20 will be awarded. Full rules and details on how to enter can be found here: