It has been great to see over the last week or so the local volunteer network coming into its own. A real ray of hope at a time which has been pretty bleak for many. I know many local families have been impacted by Covid-19, and was saddened this week to learn of an old friend who is now in Southampton General with the disease.

It is true to say the disease does not discriminate in who catches it, but it does discriminate in other ways. We know the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are most seriously affected, but there are other groups who are impacted in different and sometimes tragic ways.

The last few weeks have seen a spike in domestic abuse incidents, and some terrible instances where women have been murdered by their partners. The charities supporting abuse victims are stretched, but I still urge anyone suffering at home to make contact with support services. It does not have to be by phone, there are webchats also available if that is more discreet.

We also know the young, especially those about to sit GCSEs, A Levels or finals will also be impacted, possibly for the rest of their careers. It looks from early statistics that people from BAME backgrounds may also be more negatively impacted, as will the disabled. It is why the Select Committee I chair has launched an inquiry into this, to understand the short and long term implications of both the disease and the measures taken to tackle it.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes