MP CAROLINE ANSELL: There is some cause for optimism over COVID-19

1. We do have the intensive care capacity and some to spare through the Nightingale hospitals.

2. We do have early signs of a ‘sustained and consistent’ fall in the daily death rate but it needs to go down more.

3. The rate of infection is decreasing to ‘manageable levels’.

4 .The supply of tests and PPE to meet future demand is effective although challenges remain.

However, it is the fifth test that is a little trickier: we must be confident removing or altering lockdown measures will not risk a second peak that overwhelms the NHS.

Without a vaccine, this is a challenge for every country and it’s why the government is still cautious about lifting the restrictions.

We must also be mindful that the coronavirus situation in care homes remains a real challenge and that will play into this thinking too.

I do understand there is growing frustration and real concern about jobs and the economy going forward but, as the Foreign Secretary said this week, we are at a delicate and dangerous situation and I think patience, for a little longer, is needed as we prioritise saving lives.

But, there is also some grounds for optimism too that life will be able to go back to some normality soon.

It may be a ‘new normal’ of social distancing but this lockdown phase will end.

Until then, please stay at home.

Your actions will save lives and thank you for all you are doing.

On a real positive note Eastbourne Borough Council has been granted more than £1million to help it cope with COVID-19.

This substantial sum can be spent by the council as it sees fit and it will be a real help as authorities all over the country cope with the pandemic while revenue streams have fallen.

Finally, happy 100th birthday yesterday to Honorary Colonel Captain Tom Moore, who has raised £29 million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden.

This is a man from an older generation who is an absolute inspiration to this generation.