Ellie Chowns, who represents the Green Party on Herefordshire Council, in her regular Hereford Times column, reflects on the impact of coronavirus on the county

THESE are truly unprecedented times. The coronavirus pandemic has led to tectonic changes in our way of live in a few short weeks – and the situation is changing every day.

Schools have been closed indefinitely, and it seems more and more likely that normal life will be essentially ‘locked down’ for many weeks.

It often seems to be the case that a crisis brings out the best in people. And indeed we have seen an amazing and touching outpouring of community solidarity and mutual support in response to the virus.  So many people are reaching out to neighbours, checking on those who might be vulnerable, and offering both practical and emotional support – it is truly heart-warming!

And Herefordshire Council is doing everything possible to support this wonderful voluntary activity, as well as ensuring essential services continue to reach the most vulnerable.

It’s going to be challenging for all of us to live in these times of ‘social distancing’ and isolation. We know that two things are especially important for health and wellbeing, social contact, and exercise. 

We all need to find ways to maintain these two vital aspects of our lives despite the constraints imposed by coronavirus – whether that’s through phoning friends, relatives and neighbours, joining in with things like online choirs, or finding new ways to stay active even if we’re stuck in our homes.

 At times like this, the Government has to step in and step up. There are new announcements every day. 

Clearly, the economic effects of this pandemic will be severe. This is a time when we need bold and decisive action. A universal basic income (UBI) would be the quickest and simplest way to ensure that everyone has enough to buy the food and other essentials they need.

I very much hope the Government will introduce this as soon as possible, so that no one has to worry about how they and their families will survive.

 These are extraordinary times, and require extraordinary action – from central government, from local authorities, and from all of us in our communities. We are all in this together, and we need to ensure that no one is left to struggle on their own without support. 

Let’s use these challenging times to reflect on what is important in our lives, to strengthen our communities, and to look after each other. Then, when the time comes to rebuild, Herefordshire will be even stronger.

Keep well.