There is no doubt that these are challenging and frightening times.
The Coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives more radically than anyone could have imagined just a few weeks ago.
This is the biggest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes and the measures we must take to deal with it reflect its magnitude.
The actions taken to mitigate this health emergency will, for many businesses and individuals, cause an economic emergency.
The restrictions requested by the Scottish and UK Governments on our citizens are not easy, but they are required to ensure that we beat this virus.
The vast majority of people understand and are complying with the advice from the Government and our Medical Officers and in doing so are protecting themselves, their families, communities and our wonderful health service.
I appreciate how difficult this is and thank everyone across my Rutherglen constituency for playing their part in helping us all get through this crisis.
A huge effort is being made to ‘shield over 200,000 people in Scotland who need additional protection from Covid-19.
This includes people with specific forms of cancer, heart disease, severe respiratory conditions or rare diseases, recipients of organ transplants, those on immunosuppression therapies, or pregnant women.
Support is available to them through GPs and local resilience partnerships, in conjunction with local government.
We have already seen a fantastic response locally to support those affected by shielding measures, and older and vulnerable people who have lost their support network.
Locally, an incredible co-ordinated group, CamGlen Covid Support, managed by Healthy n Happy, is offering help through dropping off shopping, posting mail, or a friendly phone call: - visit camglencovid.gaapdigital.co.uk for more details.
SLC have also established a Covid Community Wellbeing phone line to put people in touch with local volunteers. It is on 0303 123 1009.
It has been remarkable to see how our communities have pulled together – I can’t thank you enough.
My staff and I are continuing to support many constituents, so please contact me if you require my assistance or are looking to be signposted.
All of us have a big part to play – by following advice, acting responsibly and looking out for each other.
