THE lock-down is threatening countless lives and livelihoods.
Constituents running businesses in the hospitality sector tell me they are particularly vulnerable.
Turnover normally starts to climb at this time of the year, with the summer promising much more.
Instead, they’re hanging on, the most fortunate relying on government grants, while those above a certain rateable value are having to consider a loan.
Despite favourable terms, the latter is only adding to an ever-mounting and unserviceable debt.
With such a heavy reliance on tourism and visitors, we need these businesses to bounce back when this virus is defeated.
I support Government moves encouraging people back to work.
This must happen to prevent an economic disaster.
The former, and highly respected former Bank of England Governor, Mervyn King, says the cost of this outbreak will be measured in “lost incomes and output in the economy”.
The Chancellor’s announcement this week to extend the furlough scheme will help, but it cannot last forever.
Already, it’s supporting 7.5 million employees, a quarter of the private sector workforce, at an estimated cost of £12 billion a month.
Initiating lock-down was relatively simple; getting us all back to work, with all its attendant risks, is more complicated.
However we break free, criticism will inevitably follow.
But, it is my view that we need a large dose of common sense which, applied by every citizen, will allow us to re-ignite the economic engines of this great nation.
We also need the sort of spirit being shown by those most at risk from this pandemic - the over 70s.
Many tell me they’re more than capable of making their own decisions.
Isolation from family and friends is not good for their health.