Press Release from Westminster
Issued 18/3/2020

Reassurance for people across Erewash as Government sets out £350 billion package to support businesses in wake of Coronavirus outbreak

People across Erewash are being given reassurance in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak as the government sets out a £330 billion package of loans and guarantees to support businesses and a further £20 billion for business rates relief and grants.

The measure is part of the Government’s ongoing response to Covid-19 to help support the economy.

Local MP Maggie Throup said:

“We need to get behind businesses at this difficult time, so I am pleased that these measures have been put in place to support them.”

As well as business support, it is vital that people are made aware of the Government’s health message, which is designed to save lives and minimise suffering.

Maggie added:

“Healthwise, it’s so important that people stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel. This advice is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.

“As the Prime Minister said, combating this virus will require a huge national effort. We must do all we can to save lives, protect our NHS and keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”

As part of the measures the Government has advised that people should work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues, such as gathering with families and friends outside their own home.

If anyone finds they have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, then they should stay at home for fourteen days.

That means that if possible, you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.

Maggie went on to say:

“It is vital that people carry on taking certain measures, such as hand washing. The advice from the NHS is that wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds and if soap and water is not available, use hand sanitiser gel.

“You should also always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Simple advice, but advice which can save lives.

“I know these are difficult times and everyone is worried, but I would like to reassure people here in Erewash that the Government is doing everything it can to keep everyone healthy and financially secure.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

Supporting businesses:

 At the Budget last week, the Chancellor set out the first stage of our response to tackle Coronavirus with a £30 billion package of support for people and businesses. But we promised to do whatever it takes to support our economy through this crisis – and we will do whatever it takes.

 So, we have now announced an unprecedented package of government-backed loans and guarantees to support business.

 We will make available an initial £330 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15 per cent of our GDP – so any businesses who needs access to cash to pay their rent, the salaries of employees, pay suppliers or purchase stock, will be able to access a government-backed loan. We will also provide tax cuts for British businesses worth nearly £20 billion.

 The measures announced today provide a comprehensive, coordinated and coherent response to what is a serious and evolving economic situation. We have never faced an economic fight like this one but we are well prepared. We will do whatever it takes and we will get through this.

Supporting individuals:

 We are doing everything we can to keep this country, and our people, healthy and financially secure. No one will be penalised for doing the right thing.

 In addition to making Statutory Sick Pay available earlier, and ensuring that people who are self-isolating in line with PHE guidance are also able to receive it, we will also make it easier to obtain a sick note and ensure there is support in place for people who do not receive Statutory Sick Pay. We are also introducing a three month mortgage holiday for those in difficulty due to coronavirus.

 We will give every British citizen the tools they need to get through this. We will support jobs, we will support incomes, we will support businesses, and we will help people to protect their loved ones.

Supporting our NHS:

 The over-riding object is to protect life and protect our NHS – we have a plan, based on the expertise of world-leading scientists, and we have already bought valuable time for our NHS to prepare.

 We are taking all of the action necessary to ensure the NHS has what it needs to deal with Covid-19. This includes an initial response fund of £5 billion and additional funding for research into test and surveillance around the virus.

 The NHS will be at the frontline of our efforts against Covid-19, and we will ensure that whatever it needs, it will get.

For more on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the support given by the Government, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-res…

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response – GOV.UK

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus. Find out how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help on the NHS website Guidance for employers and businesses Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in …

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