MALDON MP John Whittingdale has called the coronavirus pandemic “the greatest threat to public health that we have seen in our lifetimes”.

Mr Whittingdale has been monitoring the growing disruption caused by the pandemic and went on a fact-finding mission to Crouch Vale Medical Centre in South Woodham Ferrers to be briefed on medical preparations.

He said: “The task of the Government is both to do all we can to safeguard the health of the nation and to sustain the economy so that employees and businesses can pick up and start again when it is over.

“The Prime Minister has rightly described it as a national emergency and the measures that have been introduced to tackle it are unprecedented.

“However, the scientific advice, based on the experience in other countries, is that these are essential if we are to slow the virus spreading and consequently to save lives.

“I am in regular touch with our local health services who are doing a magnificent job.

“Although currently the number of cases in Essex is relatively low, we know that it is likely to rise rapidly over the coming days and it is vital that we do all we can to support the NHS and its employees.

“Our local authorities are also working flat out to co-ordinate efforts and to make available more information online.”

Mr Whittingdale is at Westminster helping Parliament pass emergency legislation to deal with the outbreak.

He said: “As Minister for Media and Data in the Government, I am also working in my department to support the sectors for which we are responsible – not least local newspapers like the Standard which have a vital role in supporting their communities and providing reliable advice and information.

“My office is dealing with a huge number of queries and concerns from understandably worried constituents. In particular, we are trying to help the large number of British citizens who are overseas and finding it difficult to get home.”

The Conservative MP admitted the next few months are going to be “very hard on everybody”.

He said: “It is likely to be a long time before life returns to normal.

“However, already people are coming together to help each other.

“In Parliament, political differences have been set aside and we are working together in the national interest.

“Locally, neighbours and communities are rising to the challenge.

“If everybody follows the advice, then we can get through this faster and hopefully at a lower cost of lives.”

Constituents can contact Mr Whittingdale at john.whittingdale.mp@parliament.uk.