THIS week, Buckingham MP Greg Smith writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

Coronavirus is having a huge impact on everyone.

All our thoughts are first and foremost with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or are unwell.

Many people’s lives are changing – whether it is working from home, self-isolating, not going to school or finding empty shelves in the supermarket.

This is a very worrying time.

All Buckinghamshire MPs are working flat out to ensure individual queries are answered and problems escalated to government.

I appeal to everyone, please, please, please follow the government’s advice.

It is not given on the whim of politicians, but guided by the best medical and scientific advice possible.

It is all about saving lives.

We can all play our part in three ways:

1. Follow the government guidelines. The best way to halt the virus is to stop it spreading, and the best way to do that is by social distancing.

So if you possibly can, work from home, don’t mix with other people and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

If you’re especially vulnerable, please take very seriously the advice on shielding.

If you’re young, please remember you can spread the virus too – so Stay Home, Stay Safe

2. Shop sensibly. Please do not stockpile.

There is enough food for everyone, if everyone behaves responsibly.

3. Stay calm. Most of us have never known anything like this, and it’s natural to be concerned.

But most people who get coronavirus will have a few days feeling unwell, and will then completely recover.

Over the coming weeks, we will all have to make more changes to our daily lives; sometimes in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

But if we all cooperate, all help each other, all take care of ourselves through this crisis, life will return to

normal.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19