Rugby MP urges people to follow government's Covid-19 advice to save lives and protect the NHS

Rugby MP Mark Pawsey is urging residents to save lives and protect the NHS by following the government advice during the coronavirus outbreak.

To deal with the outbreak, the government has asked that everyone engages in social distancing, works from home and stops all unnecessary travel.

These measures have been brought in to protect the vulnerable and to delay the spread of the virus - stopping the NHS from being overwhelmed by a sudden rush of cases.

But on Sunday people were seen ignoring the advice and travelling to tourist spots across the country in huge numbers - sparking outrage.

Mr Pawsey said: “I know that many of my constituents are worried, but I would like to tell people that the government will stand by them, their businesses and their families so that we can get through this together.

"Most importantly, we all need to follow the advice of the government, the Chief Scientific Officer and the Chief Medical Officer.

"Doing so will protect the NHS and enable us to save lives.

That means respecting social distancing, working from home if you can and avoiding any unnecessary travel or contact.

"Only by doing this will we be able to stop the spread of this virus.

“The government has also been clear that it will do whatever it takes to steer the country through these challenges.

"We have already announced comprehensive support for businesses which will enable them to pay their employees for the duration of this crisis, as well as measures to protect renters and boosted the safety net for those who need support.

"However, if more action is needed then the Government will take whatever steps are necessary.”

Mr Pawsey's statement comes after prime minister Boris Johnson warned that measures to enforce social distancing may be necessary if some members of the public continue to disregard government advice.

Health secretary Matt Hancock this morning, March 23, told the BBC that those ignoring the advice are 'selfish', adding that talks are in progress to see what more can be done.

Financial support through the outbreak

Measures so far introduced by the government to support people and businesses through the outbreak include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, enabling employers who promise to retain their staff to cover 80 per cent of their employees’ wages with a grant.

An increase of £1,000 for the standard allowance of Universal Credit over the next 12 months has also been promised.

Mr Pawsey added: “I will also be updating my website with all the latest advice from government during this outbreak and you can find it at: www.markpawsey.org.uk/advice-coronavirus

"I will also be working closely with Rugby Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council and the many local community groups which have set up in the constituency to support the most vulnerable and those who must self-isolate.

"I know that by working together, we will get through this.”