Suzanne Webb MP for Stourbridge writes

We have just experienced an Easter like no other. Normally we would have all been out with family or friends, on an Easter break or visiting one of our many places of worship. Instead we stayed home, we protected the NHS and we saved lives.

At the end of last week, the Government made the important decision to extend social distancing rules for at least another three weeks. Lockdown brings its challenges. We are used to contact, whether at the school gates, in the office, at the supermarket or with family and friends - with human contact usually being so integral and important for every single one of us.

I know I miss the contact with my parents and being out and about in the constituency or walking Sid, my cocker spaniel, with friends in Mary Stevens Park.

The lockdown measures will continue until we are confident that the NHS can provide critical care, when there is a substantial fall in the daily death rate and when the rate of infection reduces to an acceptable level. We also need to see evidence that any changes we make won’t risk a second peak in the virus and that we have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment to meet any future demand. Until these tests are met, we must keep going and we will beat this by staying home.

However, let's also appreciate some of the positives in our lives -

Thanks to all our sacrifices, social distancing is working. We are all playing an important part in slowing the spread of Coronavirus. We are all saving lives.

There are many symbolic actions demonstrating the best of us. Of note is Captain Tom Moore. At the time of writing this he had raised £25 million for the NHS. He has touched so many hearts. I am sure he will be the torch bearer of how we reacted to this unprecedented time. I also want to say a special thank you to Chiltern Railways who ensured a key worker, who worked in the testing labs for COVID-19, could get to work by opening one of the temporarily closed stations.

We can be so proud of all the key workers across the constituency and the kind actions of neighbours. Proud of our own community who every Thursday stand on their doorsteps for the national round of applause for our carers. On the 30th April it will also be for Captain Tom's 100th birthday and we should take the time to applaud his and others selfless actions.

Finally, there is no place like home, but for many their homes are not the sanctuary they are meant to be. For anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse or knows of someone who is, there is help for you. You are not alone. Therefore, please share the important 24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, by doing so you may save another life.

As ever, my team and I are available to help with any issues that you may have. You can call us on 01384 370 574, or email me at suzanne.webb.mp@parliament.uk.