West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local people to help one another as the threat of Covid-19 increases across the county.

The MP has been working with local volunteers and businesses to make sure that elderly and vulnerable people are kept safe and fed while in social isolation.

Harriett called on community groups to identify plans to make sure that no local people are left without access to food and urgent supplies.

The Government is posting a range of special measures on its website each day to help groups affected by the virus and the MP urged local people to keep an eye on the website at www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information.

She has also pledged to share updates on her on website and social media to help people stay in touch with the latest advice.

Harriett commented: “I’ve spoken to local hospitality businesses who are looking to convert their restaurants to take-out services and I am pleased that regulations have been relaxed to make this possible.

“I’ve also been heartened by the offers from people who are willing to do shopping for elderly people and I am trying to link them up with people who need help.

“Malvern, Pershore, Upton-upon-Severn and Tenbury all have strong community groups and I’ve seen them swinging into action to keep an eye out for people who may need help.

“Facebook groups have been really helpful sharing information and I’m also trying to keep sharing facts and information as these fast-moving events play out.

“But West Worcestershire is a very rural area, and some people don’t have access to social media and I encourage people to keep an eye on their neighbours and help out however they can, observing the usual hygiene guidelines.

“It is at times like these that I see the best in many local people, and I hope that with a little extra selflessness, our community will remain resilient and strong through this crisis.”