Harlow’s ‘extraordinary reserves of kindness and goodwill’ will see the town get through the coronavirus pandemic, its MP has said.
Robert Halfon, who has represented the constituency since 2010, warned the ‘road ahead will be hard for everyone’ but remains optimistic the town’s character will serve it well in the coming months.
The 51-year-old Conservative MP says he will continue to spend his days working with residents, charities, schools and businesses, to ensure they receive the required support.
In a letter to residents, Mr Halfon outlined the “major challenge” presented by Covid-19.
He said: “It is vital that we come together, are united and do all we can to protect the most vulnerable, ourselves, our loved ones and friends. We have little alternative but to listen daily to the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Science Officer, Public Health England and the NHS – and to follow that advice.
“All of us need to make it our priority to overcome this awful virus. We should all try and do one act of kindness, however small, whether it is buying food and toilet paper for an elderly neighbour, not over-shopping for supermarket products that others may need, or helping the wonderful organisations like Rainbow Services, Streets 2 Homes, the Harlow Foodbank and many more that do so much for our town.
He added: “As Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, Great Britain will overcome the coronavirus and get through this. However, the road ahead is going to be hard for everyone.
“Harlow is a very special place, with extraordinary reserves of kindness and goodwill. It is a place where people look out for one another. Let us get through this together.”
On Thursday, March 19 Mr Halfon met with community groups, charities, business representatives and Harlow Council to coordinate support for Harlow’s most vulnerable residents.
A hotline will be set up to disseminate information will assign ‘key responsibilities’ in the weeks ahead to ensure supplies get to where they are needed.
Mr Halfon will continue to hold surgeries via Skype and telephone.
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