Coronavirus: Here’s how will can and we will get through this – Christine Jardine

We need to look after each other as together we face the common threat posed by the coronavirus, writes Christine Jardine.

Some supermarkets have started imposing limits on purchases of hand sanitiser and toilet rolls (Picture: Sophie Hogan/PA Wire)

It was the vast empty spaces on shelf after shelf in one of Scotland’s biggest supermarkets this weekend that set me back on my heels.

My daughter and I were just doing the weekly shop, and we were not the only ones. But so many others were taking a different route.

The woman at the checkout told me that some shoppers were having produce taken off them because they hadn’t realised there were limits now on how many or much of some things you could buy.

That is not to criticise anyone. I completely understand the need to make sure your family will be fed if you suddenly have to go into self-isolation or worse.

But never have I experienced so much widespread anxiety over basic products.

And it’s been shocking to see the images filling our timelines of people in countries not too far from our own, literally fighting each other over the last remaining products in empty-shelved supermarkets.

We’re assured by the authorities and by suppliers that there is no need to panic, that we will not experience significant shortages and that we will see temporary stock supply issues rectified soon.

And yet, we are seeing it. When I walked around this week almost every single pharmacy and health and beauty retailer displayed a sign telling us that they had run out of hand sanitiser.

People are, understandably, worried. In the Prime Minister’s words, we are facing the worst health crisis in a generation.

But one thing that may stand to do more damage than the virus itself is panic. Yes we are all worried about elderly relatives or someone we love with an underlying medical condition.

I am as guilty as anyone else could be of seeing this crisis through the prism of the impact on my own family. But I also know that I cannot help effectively if I do not take a different approach both as an MP and as a member of my community.

To my constituents in Edinburgh West: my job throughout this period is to be your representative and link with the medical experts in government.

Like all politicians I relay what they say, but I can also pass on to them the concerns you have. And I will certainly be listening to and following their advice myself.

The most important thing we can do now is come together, look out for each other, follow official advice and try to avoid hysteria.

And I know we can do it. Already we have seen people pulling together and putting others before themselves in order to protect our elderly and our vulnerable.

On the national level, in the face of adversity our family of nations is showing what we do best.

Political differences are being put aside and the four governments are working with a unified determination to get through these difficult times together.

And it’s what I’m sure we’ll see more of in our own community over the weeks and months ahead.

Of course, follow advice and don’t put anyone who might be vulnerable at risk. But let’s make sure we look out for our neighbours.

If you know someone elderly or with an underlying health condition who may be feeling concerned about self-isolation, pick up the phone and give them a call. Check if there’s anything they need.

Sometimes just a phone call from a friend can be a huge source of comfort to someone feeling anxious or lonely. Something we should always bear in mind.

And if you have to self-isolate, why not use it as an opportunity for a bit of self-care? Read that book you never got around to starting. Try some yoga. Have a go at a learning a few phrases of a new language.

Most of all keep calm. Adapt. The key to this may be simply to organise our lives differently for a while.

I was at the funeral of a young friend this past week immediately following the government’s advice.

There was not the usual hugging and hand shaking but that did not diminish the empathy that we all felt and the support for each other.

I have switched my constituency surgeries from face-to-face to telephone and email.

That way both my staff and constituents can be reassured, I hope, that while we are there to help we will not be putting each other at risk.

In Parliament too we will take whatever steps are necessary to continue on an even keel.

And if you think you’ve possibly contracted Covid-19 because of a fever, shortness of breath and persistent coughing, and if you are in a risk group call NHS 111.

Follow the most up-to-date medical advice and listen to what the experts are saying. And again. Don’t panic.

Over the next few weeks and months we will all have some difficult times to get through and challenges to face.

But in this situation, like nothing I have experienced in my lifetime, we face a common threat. And one that is common not just to our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours but one that is universal.

In some parts of the world the problem appears to have passed its peak. That will happen here too.

But in the meantime, let’s keep calm, adapt and look after each other.

Christine Jardine is the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West