Haywards Heath mayor delivers message to residents during coronavirus pandemic

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the mayor said: “I must start this update by saying how heart-breaking it is to see the tragic rise in the number of those who have died since the onset of the coronavirus.

“It is also alarming to see the pace at which infections are growing, both here in the UK, and around the world.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have died.

“On this note, I would like to commend all of you in Haywards Heath who are following the guidelines from the government by staying home and saving lives.

“I must however take this opportunity to remind you all of how important these rules are.

“We must act together in our town to prevent further infections and stop the spread of this disease.

“Please only go outside if you have a valid reason. These are to exercise, for essential shopping, for medicines, if you are an approved volunteer or if you are one of the key workers or unable to work from home.

“If you are outside, it is also essential to follow the social distancing guidelines.

“As we move further into this lockdown, I do know it is terribly difficult to abide by these rules, particularly with the weather brightening up.”

He said the coronavirus pandemic had ‘taken a toll on so many parts of our everyday lives and on our families’ and emphasised how important it is to protect our residents, loved ones, friends and the selfless front-line workers.

“Please think of the lives of those already lost to this virus and consider the pain of the people who have lost loved ones to Covid-19,” he said.

“We must stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”

Mr McPherson said he was tremendously moved by the Queen’s address to the nation and reassured residents that the town council was working hard to support all of its residents through the pandemic.

“Working together with Covid-19 Mutual Aid, we have been able to help over 168 households with shopping, picking up prescriptions and small tasks they are unable to do themselves in the last week,” he commented.

“We have handled over 100 referral calls and passed these on to relevant groups or associations for further action, for example to AGE UK or Dementia UK.

“Together we have worked with Mid Sussex District Council and the trustees of the foodbank to ensure the Haywards Heath Foodbank will be up and running again this Wednesday.

“This will be on a delivery only service in line with current guidelines. Yet again, we have been inundated with volunteers and offers of help for this vital service.”

He continued: “I want to say a massive thank you to these amazing volunteers and to our local stores, Sainsburys (both local and main), Marks and Spencer’s and the Co-op who have all made sizable donations to the foodbank.

“I am also pleased to announce that the town council has set aside £12,500 to help keep the foodbank up and running throughout the pandemic.

“The foodbank continues to need your donations and several collection points are available around the Town.

“I urge you if you are able to please donate. Details of these can be found on our website.”

Mr McPherson said the council had launched a Covid-19 section on its website to provide access to information for guidelines, help and volunteering during the coronavirus in one place.

He said it includes information on organisations providing help locally and ways in which people can help.

“We are so fortunate in Haywards Heath to have access to such a large group of volunteers to help us through this time,” he said.

“I would like to make special mention to the Haywards Heath Lions and Rotary clubs who always do so much for our town and are helping our elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating wherever they can.

“I also need to highlight our wonderful NHS workers, who are doing so much to get our country through this crisis. They work tirelessly and selflessly to treat, comfort and support those suffering from the virus but they need our help.

“You can help the staff at the Princess Royal Hospital as they battle Covid-19 by donating to their JustGiving page.

“Donations will be used for practical help like food delivery during long shifts and care boxes so the nurses, doctors, porters, health care assistants, cleaners and other staff can always get a cup of tea and some snacks. Details can be found on the town council’s website and on our Facebook page.”

He finished his message with the sentiment of the Queen: ‘We will succeed and better days will come’.