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    • John Stevenson Thanks Veterans from across the Country and Cumbria’s Residents for their Support with Carlisle’s Falklands 40 Commemorative Event
    • John Stevenson MP urges Museums across Carlisle and Cumbria to bid for Funding to Level Up Culture
    • John Stevenson Celebrates Victory in Government U-Turn on BOGOF Offers for Shoppers
    • John Stevenson MP Welcomes Campaign to Boost take up of Pension Credit in Carlisle
    • John Stevenson MP Backs Falklands Forty School Competition
    • With its New Medical School, Carlisle is going to be an Educational Destination
    • John Stevenson MP Welcomes £4,104,659 in Funding to Level Up the Carlisle area
    • John Backs University of Cumbria and Imperial College London Plans for a New Medical School in Carlisle
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    John Stevenson MP
    MP For Carlisle
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      14th April 20200

      The Coronavirus Crisis

      Recent
      17th May 2022

      John Stevenson Thanks Veterans from across the Country and Cumbria’s Residents for their Support with Carlisle’s Falklands 40 Commemorative Event

      11th May 2022

      John Stevenson MP urges Museums across Carlisle and Cumbria to bid for Funding to Level Up Culture

      10th May 2022

      John Stevenson Celebrates Victory in Government U-Turn on BOGOF Offers for Shoppers

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    John Stevenson MP
    You are at:Home»Coronavirus

    Coronavirus

    COVID-19: What is it?

    COVID-19 is a strain of Coronavirus, which is a condition that affects the lungs. It starts with a fever, followed by a dry cough, which can lead to breathing problems. This means those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, including asthma are at a higher risk if they contract it. As a significant number of elderly people have these conditions, they are also at a greater risk than the rest of the population. To put this into context, the flu virus can cause several thousand deaths a year, so the Government is currently advising older people to consider ‘social distancing’, rather than complete isolation.

    Symptoms take, on average, five days to emerge, but it must be stressed that this is not in every case. The incubation period can last up to 14 days, but according to the World Health Organization, it has lasted for up to 24 days in some cases.

    You can find full information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan/coronavirus-action-plan-a-guide-to-what-you-can-expect-across-the-uk

    Personal responsibility

    The most important action we can all take is to accept personal responsibility to limit non-essential social contact, catch our coughs and sneezes in a disposable handkerchief, then dispose of it immediately, and wash our hands for 20 seconds more often. This includes when you return home, when you arrive at work and after using public transport.

    You should:

    • Stay at home as much as possible
    • Work from home if you can
    • Limit contact with other people
    • Keep 2m apart when you go out

    You can not go on holiday, visit a second home or socialise in somebody
    else’s house.

    Home working and emails

    Following Government advice to avoid working in a busy office, many people have chosen to work from home and that is a good step in preventing a spread of this virus. With modern technology, it is possible to communicate by telephone, email and even video conferencing and I urge people to do this if possible.

    School re-openings

    Many schools are beginning to re-open for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6
    to return to the classroom in smaller class sizes. This will ensure that
    the youngest children and those preparing for the transition to
    secondary school have the maximum amount of time with their teachers.
    Early years settings may also be able to open for all children. Schools
    are also still open for children of key workers.

    Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will also provide
    face-to-face contact for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further
    education students to help them prepare for their exams next year. It is
    expected that this will begin from 15th June, with around a quarter of
    these secondary students in their school or college at any point.

    Meeting family and friends outdoors

    New measures have been announced so that people can see their family and friends outdoors, providing they are maintaining social distancing. You can now meet up to six people in a public place, or in a garden, providing you stay at least 2 metres away from those you do not live with.

    Older people

    The general populace are more likely to transfer this virus to older people, rather than the other way around. I hope that everyone will consider the elderly people they know and telephone them to provide them with someone to speak to and to ensure that they have enough food and other supplies, particularly medical. This need not be restricted just to relatives, but people in your street, those who you may simply be aware of. Check to see that curtains are drawn each day and that letters and mail is not piling up.

    Support for business

    I understand how difficult this situation will be for businesses. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced unprecedented economic measures to support businesses – large and small. This includes £330 billion of guaranteed loans for businesses, equivalent to 15% of GDP. The Government has been clear that businesses in the hospitality sector, such as pubs and restaurants, which have insurance that covers pandemics can claim.

    For smaller businesses in the hospitality sector who do not have insurance, there will be cash grants of £25,000 per business. Please visit the Government’s dedicated Business Support Helpline for more information about what support your business is entitled to: https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline

    Travel Advice

    As of March 17th, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advises British people against all non-essential travel worldwide. This advice takes effect immediately and it applies for an initial period of 30 days.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented international border closures and other restrictions. All countries may restrict travel without notice. If you now need to change or cancel your travel plans, follow these steps:

    1. Contact your airline, travel company, cruise line or other transport and accommodation providers

    2. Get in touch with your insurance provider

    3. Continue to follow the NHS coronavirus guidance

    You must follow the advice of local authorities. Your safety and security are the responsibility of the local authority where you are.

    For further information and the latest updates on travel advice and COVID-19, please read the Government website’s page on this issue: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

    COBRA and the PM

    The Prime Minister is chairing a daily meeting of COBRA. This is the acronym that refers to Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, a meeting room at the Cabinet Office, which is used to co-ordinate the actions of the Government across the UK. The Prime Minister is undertaking a daily televised briefing to inform people what he has discussed and to update everyone on any progress as to how the Government is responding to events. 

    Television licence postponement

    The BBC has announced that the introduction of television licenses for people aged 75 years old and over, will be postponed from 1st June until 1st August. This will allow people who do not have access to the internet and other news sources to continue updating themselves about this pandemic via their televisions, without having to pay for this service.

    Further information

    If you think you may have Covid-19, if you have travelled to an affected area or you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to an affected area, you should visit www.nhs.uk.

    You should NOT visit a GP surgery, a pharmacy or a hospital. Use the NHS 111 online service to find out if you have Coronavirus symptoms: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

    You should only telephone 111 if you do not have access to the internet, if you feel that you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or if your condition worsens.

    I hope that this information is useful. Please find below some links to pages on the Government website about some of the specific issues I have already mentioned:

    Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

    COVID-19: support for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

    Guidance on social distancing and protecting vulnerable people: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

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    • Skills & Apprenticeships
    • Infrastructure
    • Business & Investment
    • Charities
    • The NHS
    14th April 2022

    John Stevenson MP Welcomes £4,104,659 in Funding to Level Up the Carlisle area

    6th January 2022

    “New Year, New Career Opportunities!” says John Stevenson MP for Carlisle

    17th December 2021

    John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle has Welcomed News of a Skills Boost to Support More People into Jobs

    10th November 2021

    ‘It’s not too late to sign up for the Skills Fair!’ says John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle

    14th April 2022

    John Stevenson MP Welcomes £4,104,659 in Funding to Level Up the Carlisle area

    2nd June 2021

    Carlisle MP Welcomes Openreach’s Full Fibre Commitment

    14th May 2021

    Carlisle MP Welcomes Announcements in Queen’s Speech

    21st April 2021

    Carlisle MP asks Rural Constituents to Take Part in Open Consultation on ‘Improving Broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises’

    14th April 2022

    John Stevenson MP Welcomes £4,104,659 in Funding to Level Up the Carlisle area

    7th April 2022

    John Backs University of Cumbria and Imperial College London Plans for a New Medical School in Carlisle

    25th March 2022

    John Stevenson MP visits Carlisle Cathedral to show Support for English Tourism Week

    30th November 2021

    John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle encourages Constituents to Shop Local ahead of Small Business Saturday this Weekend

    26th October 2021

    John Stevenson MP backs Guide Dogs Campaign on the use of E-scooters

    2nd August 2021

    John Stevenson MP Supports Wetheral’s Oak Tree Animals’ Charity

    25th June 2021

    John Stevenson MP visits Buzz Bingo ahead of National Bingo Day 2021

    20th November 2020

    John Stevenson MP Praises the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund for helping Local Causes in Carlisle

    7th April 2022

    John Backs University of Cumbria and Imperial College London Plans for a New Medical School in Carlisle

    3rd December 2021

    John Stevenson MP urges people in Carlisle to get their Booster Jab on ‘Boost Day’

    2nd August 2021

    John Stevenson MP Welcomes Opening of new Coronavirus Local Test Site in Carlisle

    1st July 2021

    John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, Backs National Thank You Day adding Thanks of his Own

    Latest Photos
    John carries Commemorative Rose at Falklands Events
    John with Students on Dream Week Placement
    John with Mark Jenkinson MP and Cumbria Order
    John with Clark Door Limited supporting Family Business
    John with Rob and Claire Story of Story Decorating
    John attending meeting at Carlisle Cathedral celebrating EnglishTourismWeek21, which included tourism businesses from across Carlisle
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    About

    JOHN STEVENSON

    John was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and Dundee University. John subsequently qualified as a solicitor in 1990. In 2010 John was elected Conservative MP for Carlisle and was re-elected with an increased majority in 2015. John was re-elected again in 2017 and 2019 with a new majority of 8319. Carlisle is the only city in Cumbria and John enjoys representing a constituency at Westminster with such a strong identity.

    Latest Posts
    17th May 2022

    John Stevenson Thanks Veterans from across the Country and Cumbria’s Residents for their Support with Carlisle’s Falklands 40 Commemorative Event

    11th May 2022

    John Stevenson MP urges Museums across Carlisle and Cumbria to bid for Funding to Level Up Culture

    10th May 2022

    John Stevenson Celebrates Victory in Government U-Turn on BOGOF Offers for Shoppers

    Photo Gallery
    John carries Commemorative Rose at Falklands Events
    John with Students on Dream Week Placement
    John with Mark Jenkinson MP and Cumbria Order
    John with Clark Door Limited supporting Family Business
    John with Rob and Claire Story of Story Decorating
    John attending meeting at Carlisle Cathedral celebrating EnglishTourismWeek21, which included tourism businesses from across Carlisle
    John and Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, Jim Walker, at restaurant during the 'Eat out to Help out' scheme
    John and Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, Jim Walker, at restaurant during the 'Eat out to Help out' scheme
    John at Carlisle Skills Fair 2020
    John at Carlisle Skills Fair 2020
    John at Carlisle Skills Fair 2020
    John at Carlisle Skills Fair 2020
    Copyright © 2015 JOHN STEVENSON. This website is funded from Parliamentary Allowances.
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