Last night (Thursday, 26 March) at 8pm the nation demonstrated its support to our fantastic NHS by applauding them in the streets, from balconies and on their doorsteps, to thank them. I would like to take this opportunity to add my thanks, and the thanks of all Ealing residents, to our local NHS heroes.

I felt I had to record a video message as well (see above) in order to put on record just how immensely grateful and admiring everyone at the council is of their work.

Whether people are working in the NHS or in social care, they are helping the sick and vulnerable and our country owes a debt of gratitude to them.

In addition, I would like to thank our council staff, who are also critical to responding to this national emergency.

Every day there are reports of true acts of neighbourliness and kindness which demonstrate the compassion and thoughtfulness of our residents to one another. Earlier this week we launched Ealing Together, a website that enables vulnerable residents to let people know that they need support – but also allows others to volunteer to help.

I have been truly amazed by the overwhelming numbers of people who have come forward to help. Be assured we are working through the details and will be contacting everyone who has demonstrate such a willingness to help their neighbours. Thank you.

You will be aware that the NHS is writing to the 1.5 million people who are in the at-risk categories, known as ‘shielded people’. The council has also been tasked to contact those identified in the borough in order to provide help. So, if you are one of those 8,000-10,000 people in Ealing who fall into the at-risk category, you will be contacted by phone in the coming days. Council staff who contact you will clearly identify themselves and they will never ask you for any banking details – this is a free service.

With every household observing social distancing, London Fire Brigade is warning people to take more care to ensure they are not victims of a domestic fire. Common causes of fire in homes includes cooking, smoking, electrical items and heating appliances so please do keep this in mind as you continue to stay at home to flatten the curve of the virus.

I’m incredibly proud to live in one of the most diverse boroughs in the country. With that in mind, I’d to share a link to NHS health advice available in more than 30 languages.

It is with sadness that several of our residents have already died because of this virus and my deepest condolences are with their families and friends. Let us do everything we can to stop the spread by staying at home and, thereby, saving lives.