JAMES GRUNDY - Thank you for adhering to the rules

Whilst we start to move forward and continue to relax these measures, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to the vast majority of people across both Leigh and the wider Wigan borough for adhering to the rules so far. This has come as a great personal sacrifice for many and this is certainly not something any of us will forget.

One of the most welcome relaxations of the lockdown measures is the ability to meet with up to five other individuals from other households in outdoor spaces, so long as social distancing is adhered to.

These new rules also include the ability to meet in your own gardens instead of just public spaces such as parks and will enable so many of us to see family, friends, and loved ones for the first time since lockdown began in late March.

In addition to this, Reception, Year 1, and Year 6 classes will also now be able to return to school, with education continuing to be provided for the children of key workers, such as NHS staff and police officers.

Although some have contacted me with their apprehension about this particular change, I am pleased that the Government is enabling school pupils in transition years to continue to have vital time with their teachers, as well as their friends.

This week also marks the end of hybrid Parliament proceedings, which enabled MPs to vote from home and participate in debates via video call.

Excluding those who are clinically vulnerable, myself and other MPs have now returned to Parliament, so we can vote on important issues, stand up in the House of Commons for our constituents and enable effective Government scrutiny, all of which are vital parts of our democracy.

Since the COVID-19 lockdown measures were introduced, my office team and I have dealt with nearly 1,750 cases on the behalf of my constituents, helping with problems ranging from missed bin collections, to directing local businesses and self-employed people to the financial support available from the Government.

I want to take the time to reassure you that whilst the lockdown measures continue to be relaxed, I will still be on hand to assist you with any queries or concerns you have, relating to coronavirus or any other matter.

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, further lockdown easing measures will be introduced, such as the reopening of non-essential shops, such as those in the retail sector, from Monday, June 15. It is however important to note that these measures will only be able to be introduced if the infection rate, denoted as R, remains below 1, and that the Government’s four other tests continue to be met.

These additional four tests include ensuring the NHS can cope, a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate, ensuring that the supply of Covid-19 tests and PPE can meet any future demand, and being confident that any adjustments would not risk a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS.

At present, the Government is confident that these tests are being met and lockdown measures can continue to be eased over the coming weeks.

Of course, updates will also continue to be provided about any further measures to be relaxed as soon as they can.

As we move forward and start to make our way back to some level of normality, we mustn’t forget the dedication of local NHS staff, police officers and care workers, and continue to recognise and be thankful for their hard work in the front-line response against coronavirus.

In addition, I have been repeatedly amazed by the generosity and kindness of local charities, schools, and businesses, who have helped support the local community through this difficult time through providing food parcels or converting their businesses and school facilities to help make PPE for front-line workers.

It is safe to say that in a time of crisis, our local community has come together to support one another and battle through, and I hope over the coming weeks these acts of generosity and sacrifice are not forgotten as we all continue to do our bit to help fight this terrible virus.