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March
2020
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Covid-19 update:
As a community we are incredibly fortunate that so few of us have experienced a
time like this. Living under current restrictions runs contrary to so much of what
we believe in as a nation, so it is especially remarkable to see these unwelcome
rules embraced so resiliently across our area. It has definitely highlighted the
very best (and occasionally worst!) in society.

The vast majority are those who have risen to the challenge without complaint -
and the rest of us should be incredibly grateful. I have been moved by the number
of examples of individual kindness, sacrifice and selflessness. Thank you to all
of those who are making this episode bearable for those in more vulnerable categories.
If you know of any of people locally still needing assistance, do please pass their
details on.

Via this newsletter and other means such as my website [[link removed]]
and Facebook [[link removed]],
I am trying to provide up to date (and reliable) information for individuals and
businesses alike. Where necessary I am also explaining what falls to the Welsh
Government (e.g. NHS and schools/education) and what lies with the UK Government
(e.g. financial assistance and benefits). This can be confusing at the best of
times so I hope you will be pleased to hear that we are working closely with the
local councils and devolved Government to make sure the risks of confusion are
minimised.

I also wanted to highlight the letter from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, which
is being delivered to 30 million homes this week. Just in case you have missed it
I have posted it again here. It re-emphasises where we are and what we need to do
to beat the disease and return to normal - the key message being to stay at home.

As you will also know the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a comprehensive package
of measures to try and mitigate the impact on all of us arising out of the need
to isolate. This is a very fluid set of circumstances, so inevitably there will
be gaps, and the measures will almost certainly evolve. My office, all working from
home, are doing what they can to answer individual questions, but sometimes we simply
don't have the answers as every situation is so individual. As Rishi has said, sadly
we wont be able to save every job or every business but there is a united UK wide
effort to try to. Also attached to this message are the various links to help you
get the information you need.

Much has also been said about the readiness of the NHS and other agencies, in particular
around testing and PPE equipment. There is a "four nations" approach to this and
we are in constant discussion to ensure that everyone has the equipment and support
that they need whether they work in a hospital, GP surgery, care-workers or other
frontline area. This approach is what is needed to make sure we fully equip people
according to need rather than geography and why "flattening the curve" buys us crucial
time for the various services to be in the best possible shape to tackle the disease
when it reaches its peak. Local councils have done a brilliant job in aiding that
process and you can be sure that political hostilities have been put aside whilst
this is going on.

We will emerge the other side of this and we will rebuild our local economy. But
for now it's a battle with an invisible enemy in which we all have a crucial role
to play. Thank you for everything you are doing.
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From the Prime Minister to 30 million households:
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Other information and guidance:
We have created a Wales Office page with guidance for individuals and businesses
here:

* [link removed]
[[link removed]]
(Welsh)
* [link removed]
[[link removed]]
(English)
Business Wales has a dedicated Covid-19 advice page for businesses, employees and
the self-employed:

* [link removed] [[link removed]]
Pembrokeshire County Council for local support and advice:

* [link removed]
[[link removed]]
Carmarthenshire County Council for local support and advice:

* [link removed]
[[link removed]]
UK Government advice on Covid-19:

* [link removed] [[link removed]]
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Printed and promoted by Jenny Davies on behalf of Simon Hart, both of 15 St John
Street, Whitland, Carmarthen SA34 0AN.
In line with data protection regulations, you can find our full privacy notice on
my website here: www.simon-hart.com [[link removed]]
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Simon Hart | 15 St John Street | Whitland | Carmarthen | SA34 0AN | United Kingdom