This week's Letter from Westminster comes from Chesham and Amersham's MP, Dame Cheryl Gillan.
She said: "On Monday, January 4, we saw the beginning of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccinations against Covid-19, but England also entered renewed full lockdown because of the surge of the virus variant which is much more easily transmitted.
"We are in alert level 5.
"This means that everyone must stay at home.
"You may only leave for limited, lawful reasons like shopping for essentials. Unless absolutely impossible, you must work from home.
"If you are clinically vulnerable, you should shield.
READ MORE: Policeman racks up an incredible 900 hours worth of road safety service in 2020
"It’s essential for everyone to protect themselves and others – and also our NHS which is under extreme pressure.
"One important exception will allow anyone at risk of violence at home to seek refuge.
"From January 5, our schools – primary, secondary and colleges – are closed, except for children of key workers and the most vulnerable.
"Remote learning will take place, with help for those needing devices to enable this. There’s extra support so pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them during the closure.
"There are fresh measures to support businesses.
"The weeks ahead will be tough, but we need to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. This is a stark choice but one we must face.
"We are continuing to roll out the biggest vaccination programme in our history, with more than 500,000 doses of the new Oxford vaccine available to protect people.
The aim is to offer the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups by the middle of February. These groups are: all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers; everyone over 70; all frontline health and social care workers; and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.
"These are very tough times but if we all observe the regulations we will get through this terrible disease."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel