This week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

From the very start of the Covid-19 outbreak, Government has been working to protect our brilliant social care workforce and the most vulnerable in our society.

It is likely everyone will know someone living in a care home, whether the residents are elderly or adults with disabilities.

Although a small number of homes require improvement, most homes in the High Wycombe area are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, with one rated Outstanding.

This is a testament to the people who care for residents and who often do not get the recognition they deserve.

Over the last few weeks it has become clear coronavirus is particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

This is why a new £600m Infection Control Fund has been announced by the Government to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes.

The council has been awarded £6,253,586 for the 4,558 beds Buckinghamshire.

The Fund forms part of wider support for care home residents and staff and will fund new measures to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in care homes, minimise infection, keep staff and residents safe and, ultimately, save lives.

In Buckinghamshire there has been very good local co-operation between the NHS and Social Care and any shortages of PPE experienced by care homes have been met from supplies shared across the county.

All symptomatic and asymptomatic care home staff and residents in England are already eligible for testing, and testing is prioritised for care homes that look after the over 65s.