With the number of deaths nationally at 2,921, and the number of positive tests for Coronavirus in Newham at 370, please show your support for the NHS by joining in the clap for carers at 8pm tonight
Today we heard from the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, about the government’s new goal of 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month confirming that mass community testing is on the horizon, but depending on how quickly a home antibody test is developed and how quickly swab testing can be ramped up.
With the number of deaths nationally at 2,921, and the number of positive tests for Coronavirus in Newham at 370 (up 40 from yesterday), I know that all of us will in some way by touched by tragedy and loss.
That’s why tonight I want to take this moment to say thank you to all those frontline workers, carers and NHS staff who are helping us in this moment of crisis. I also want to thank all our dedicated Council staff, schools and residents across the borough who have been part of the tremendous volunteering effort to help protect those that need help.
Two weeks ago, we had some ideas, a lot of questions and a series of challenges to overcome about the best way to get food, medicine, essential household items and support to residents who need to self-isolate or are vulnerable. We had no locations, no names, no confirmed supply chain, no data system, and no joint arrangements with the voluntary and community sectors.
That rapidly changed. By last weekend, we had taken delivery of one tonne of food which has since been packed into 400 boxes by volunteers including residents and hundreds of council staff. We have requisitioned schools that have been closed to the majority of pupils, and council buildings, and transformed them into eight #HelpNewham Hubs from where we distribute prescription medicines, food and essential supplies out to our most vulnerable.
I volunteered at one of the hubs today and was left impressed and inspired. The joint efforts of council staff and volunteers from community group, faith organisations, the voluntary sector and local businesses working together to provide assistance and care to those in our borough who need it most.
So my heartfelt thanks to everyone doing their bit to help in Newham during this unprecedented period where all of our lives have been changed by coronavirus.
That’s why I hope you’ll join thousands of other Newham residents across the borough tonight when at 8pm, the sky will erupt with the sound of people taking part in #clapforourcarers.
From home care workers to social workers; homeless outreach workers to teachers; these often-overlooked staff have been keeping our country going and they deserve our applause. Across the caring professions, faith groups, across all local authority services, across Newham, London and the UK, they are heroes and I am proud to salute them all.
As always, keep heeding the advice, don’t gather, don’t travel, wash your hands, and keep safe.