Peterborough MP: Bounce back, not start and stop

We seem to be past the peak of Coronavirus cases, both in our hospitals and outside, but this emergency is far from over. It’s too soon to relax. If we start to slip back into old habits, our effort and sacrifices will be wasted, writes Peterborough MP Paul Bristow.

The Government is looking at how and when restrictions can be lifted safely. For some things, that might be soon. For others, it may take far longer, or involve different arrangements to those we knew before.

It’s important to phase this correctly. Drive-thru COVID-19 testing opened this week at the East of England showground. The expansion of testing will really help, both here and across the country.

Anyone who has to leave home to go to work can book a test. Anyone who is over 65 and has had symptoms can book a test.

At the point of writing these words, I’m told the showground has spare capacity – so if you meet the criteria, need a test and can drive yourself there, book now using the link at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Through testing, we can help to ease restrictions while avoiding a second wave of infections that would overwhelm the NHS. The current lockdown is all about protecting the NHS to save lives. That will continue to be the priority.

Anything else would be a disaster for businesses too, as a second lockdown would destroy the economy. We need to bounce back, not start and then stop. The Chancellor’s new bounce-back loans of up to £50,0000 launch on Monday to give extra support for smaller companies.

The NHS is also reopening for those who need planned surgery or treatment for cancer. These are life-saving interventions that rely on keeping COVID-19 under control. Likewise, if you have early warning signs of something, get yourself checked now – don’t put it off.

We are getting through this emergency together. The people of Peterborough may come in different shapes and sizes, from different parts of the world, even speaking different languages, but we have proved that we are one city.

That sense of community and our desire to look after each other is so heartwarming. We should be proud of Peterborough and proud of what people here have done.

I want us to recognise those who have gone the extra mile to look after their neighbours and the vulnerable. We should thank those doing extraordinary things, from volunteering to fundraising to dedicating their businesses to help our city.

That’s why I have launched Peterborough Heroes with the Peterborough Telegraph. You can let us know why a particular person deserves to be recognised here: www.paulbristow.org.uk/pborohero. We have already received hundreds of nominations, which have been truly humbling to read. All those who are helping will receive my thanks and appear in these pages.

The overall winners will be picked by me and Mark Edwards, the editor of the Peterborough Telegraph. When travel and visits become possible again, they will be invited to Houses of Parliament for a tour and afternoon tea. It’s a way to give something back to them.