Coronavirus: Follow advice - Peterborough lives depend on it

I implore people, here in Peterborough, to do what the Government is saying. Please read and follow the advice. Lives depend on it.

You can only leave your home for very limited purposes:

l Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible.

l One form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.

l Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

l Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

If you have to leave your home, you must keep 2 metres apart (a 6 foot gap) from others, wherever possible. You also need to keep washing your hands.

You shouldn’t be outside with more than one person, unless exclusively with people from your own household. For the next three weeks or longer, most shops, restaurants and other places will be closed. Normal visits to see friends and loved ones cannot take place.

And as I explained last week, those in medically vulnerable groups must isolate themselves. There will be support for you, including food parcels.

This isn’t easy. No one wants this to happen, but it must happen.

I hate overbearing and interfering government. I think most people agree with me, because the traditional freedoms of our country are held dearly. These actions go against the grain. This is a national emergency, however, and we have to act.

If I am honest, I have seen people in Peterborough not following these rules. If this continues, the police now have new powers and will enforce them.

Yet I have also seen many new and wonderful things in our city. My friends Zillur Hussain, Ivelina Banyaileva and Ishfaq Hussein are delivering hundreds of meals across Peterborough to vulnerable and isolated residents.

Volunteers like Bernadette Gibbons are delivering free school meals and food parcels to children that qualify, given schools are closed to all but the families of key workers. Many others are signing up to help within the community.

Churches, mosques and faith groups have come together to protect the elderly and isolated within their congregations and beyond. The foodbank at Fengate is working extra hours and receiving lots of food donations.

Last, but by no means least, are our Council staff. Those already on the frontline are taking on far more than ever before, while other staff have been diverted from non-essential roles to help the vulnerable. They are going the extra mile.

All of these people make me proud of Peterborough.

Our NHS is about to be tested like never before. We need people to stay at home to protect it and save lives. A reason not to stay at home is helping others.

For those who are able, this is the time to think what you can do for your city – for your neighbours – and your family.

Peterborough City Council has set up a volunteer hub with the County Council. Get involved by emailing [email protected] or ringing 01733 747474.