This week, I thought I would provide answers to 10 of the most common questions that I am currently asked regarding issues relating to Coronavirus. I won’t get anywhere close to covering every detail or question as I get around 200 queries every day. In a fast-changing situation, it is also possible the answers will change between me writing this on Friday and it being published Wednesday, but here goes.
I don’t know how long the lockdown will last and I don’t think anyone else knows precisely at present because it will be based on the virus transmission data. PPE distribution has had problems in some places and there is a national hotline for the NHS to resolve these – 0191 283 6543.
Supermarkets are doing all they can to increase online delivery slots and give priority to the vulnerable. Whilst waiting, you may find a community group on https://www.oxfordshireallin.org/ can help you to get your shopping.
The police know some people are not adhering to the rules of the lockdown and are trying to deal with all of the complaints they are receiving but please be patient with them as the volume of these reports is high alongside everything else they are having to do for us at this time.
The grants for businesses are being paid by South and Vale Councils and you can find out details about how to claim alongside the other government support, here https://www.svbs.co.uk/. The Government is aware that there are issues with the banks not granting enough loans or doing so quickly and is working with them to speed this up.
If you have family/friends stuck in another country, the most important thing is to make sure you have registered yourself with the relevant High Commission, Embassy or Consulate – details here https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies - and if you contact me, I will raise their case with the Foreign Office.
Construction sites should be closed where it is not possible to stick to the government guidance on, for example, distance from fellow workers. In the end it is a decision for the relevant business to make and sector by sector guidance for businesses can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance
I am sympathetic to all those who have written asking for garden centres to be reopened but at the moment an exception is not going to be made because there are many other types of organisations that would also want one.
And yes, I completely agree that after the crisis there should be some form of recognition for key workers and other inspiring individuals who have done so much to help us all and I will be pushing for this. As ever, if I can help, do email [email protected]
