MIKE HILL: Remain calm and look out for those in your community

Self-isolating was the right thing to do as a precaution, and I am relieved that I’ve come out the other side virus-free, but the whole experience has placed into personal context the nightmare that the coronavirus is to all of us.

In London, just like everywhere else in the country, the supermarket shelves are emptying of toilet paper, washing up liquid, pasta, canned foods, hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes. It seems that despite all the advice by the authorities not to panic-buy that the opposite is happening. I know that in Hartlepool the same thing is applying and given the Government’s handling of the situation so far, it’s a situation you can understand to a degree. However, while I understand the concern, we will not run short of food or household goods as long as people behave calmly. There will be a time to take the Government response to task when all of this is over. We all hope for a stronger response from Downing Street now.

The truth is that coronavirus is a killer. Full stop. It’s a pandemic that is already here among us, although to date there have been no recorded confirmed cases here in Hartlepool and only one in nearby Sunderland. Our elderly, our grandparents, mothers and fathers in their 70s and above, are most susceptible; as are people with underlying conditions like COPD. These are the people we should be now looking out for and coming together to protect, alongside the vulnerable and those who simply don’t have the money or means to stock up at the local supermarket.

What’s always made me very proud about Hartlepool folk is their strength of community and their respect for one and other. I have absolutely no doubt that when push comes to shove, we will be a shining light when it comes to looking after each other and making sure our neighbours feel safe and are well fed and watered. Hartlepool is and will always be resilient, even in the most difficult of times, and, believe me, those times are just around the corner for all of us. Already there are community groups making provisions now so that they can act if and when we get to the stages of lockdown that other nations have reached. We should also be proud that Hartlepool businesses are working as part of the scheme to make medical equipment for the NHS.

On my return this week I will continue discussions with the Council, the Public Health Authority, the NHS and the Police that every measure is being taken to keep the public safe. Meanwhile I would repeat the advice given that you should self-isolate for 7 days if you have any symptoms of the disease and you live alone. If you live with family, you should do it for 14 days until you can be sure that you and your family members will not be carrying the virus. You should continue to wash your hands and practice social distancing measures. In relation to the advice, this may change and you should check the news every day or check www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19. But above all you should remain calm and look out for those in your community.