'THERE is no doubt whatsoever that, as a society, we are facing a massive challenge with the threat to public health pose by COVID-19, the coronavirus, and the severe but necessary restrictions that have been placed on our daily lives in an attempt to combat that threat.

I know it is hard, and we are all trying to get used to what is a very strange new reality. I have been holding virtual discussions with my staff and had online ‘meet ups’ with friends. Like many of you, I am still getting used to the different apps and websites that are available but that modern technology is going to be a huge boon in continuing to get work done and to stave off the boredom and isolation that is a huge risk, particularly for those of us who love alone.

But the number one message right now, and the answer to almost any of the - understandably many – questions that can be asked, is – stay at home!

Staying at home has become the only way of slowing the spread of this virus and giving our NHS the chance it needs to cope and to save lives – flattening the curve, a phrase we have become very familiar with in recent days.

The only permissible reasons for leaving your homes are as follows: To shop for basic necessities – but only once a day, at the most; to take exercise, alone or with your household, not in groups and no more than once a day; for medical reasons, for yourself or if providing care or to support for a vulnerable person; to travel to work, if that work is deemed essential and absolutely cannot be done from home.

When you do go out, remember to follow the advice about social distancing and hand hygiene. And when you go to the shops, let’s remember the stress that shop workers are under, trying to keep us all supplied with food and other supplies. Buy only what you need and there will be enough for everyone.

Like many businesses, my office in Cowdenbeath has been shut but my staff are still working, albeit from their homes. The office phone has been re-directed and will be answered, as will post but the best way, by far, to get in touch is by email if can. If you do need to contact me – whether that is about coronavirus, or anything else – we are still there and will do what we can to be of assistance.

If you do think you have symptoms and are looking for general advice about the coronavirus, there is a dedicated helpline 0800 028 2816 which you can call.

Finally, I want to thank all those who are working in our health and care services, in the frontline of fighting this disease and those whose work is continuing to keep our society running in the most strange and difficult of circumstances'.