Newspaper column 1 October 2020 - Covid update and towns funding

Last week saw revised COVID-19 restrictions introduced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday.

These are sadly necessary due to the recent rises in cases across the country. As we enter the autumn and winter months, when people are traditionally more vulnerable to a range of different diseases, including the regular ‘flu’, we all need to do our bit to follow the latest guidance, keep ourselves and our communities safe, and continue to fight back against this virus.

As well as the new rules, last week also saw the launch of the NHS’s new Track and Trace app, which  will alert users if they have been close to someone who later tests positive for coronavirus, as well as providing risk alerts based on a user’s postcode, allow users to scan QR codes to check in at venues on the app and allow people to book tests, if they have symptoms.

The app works by logging the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if you don’t know each other. The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

You can download the app on most smart phones by visiting the app store. It is easy to use and I would encourage people to get it as soon as they are able to.

On Thursday last week the Chancellor also announced further measures to support businesses and employees, including extensions of the furlough and self-employment income support schemes. He also confirmed the continuation until March next year of the VAT cuts for tourism and hospitality businesses. Regular readers will know that this is something I have been campaigning for, and is something I lobbied the Tourism Minister for in person when he visited our constituency earlier in the month. This is great news and I thank the Government for listening to the feedback from our local businesses that I have passed on and taking sensible steps to help aid their recovery.

On Friday I was also delighted to see Truro awarded an additional tranche of £750,000 funding from the Towns Fund. I was pleased to recently welcome the Secretary of State to Truro so he could see for himself what our city has to offer, and I know he went away impressed at the excellent work already carried out by the Towns Board.

This funding, which will be made as soon as possible, will allow the Truro Town Board to kick start their transformative projects and I look forward to working with all concerned to make our city better for everyone.

As ever, I am always happy to help with any problems people or have or to answer any questions about my work.  Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, by telephone on 01872 229698 or you can write to me by letter at my constituency office, which is at Lemon Chapel, William Street, Truro, TR1 2ED.