Response to this crisis is truly heart-warming, says West Midlands Mayor
One of the most heart-warming features of the response to the coronavirus crisis in the West Midlands, is the way communities have come together to support those around them.
All across the region – with the odd unfortunate exception – people have adhered to social distancing rules, reined in the panic buying, and looked out for their elderly neighbours.
It is something that is not lost on West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who says he has seen countless examples of people and organisations going that extra mile to help other during the crisis.
"Never in my lifetime did I think the West Midlands would have to experience a period like this," the former John Lewis boss told the Express & Star from his home in Birmingham.
"We are in unprecedented times, and are faced with both a public health emergency and an economic emergency.
"However the way the region has responded in the face of adversity has been brilliant.
"It seems like a switch was flicked following the Prime Minister’s address to the nation last week, and the vast majority of people are being incredibly responsible and following Government guidance to the letter."
Mr Street says he is particularly proud of the hundreds of community groups who are offering valuable services for those in need, such as the Elias Mattu Foundation in Wolverhampton, which is supporting around 40 households by delivering them food parcels.
He is full of praise for Cedar Church in Kingstanding, which is collecting groceries and other essential items from the local community to provide key workers and vulnerable people with support.
Amazing
The region's emergency services and health workers are doing an "amazing job" he says, adding that he was "incredibly proud" of the response to last week's Clap for Carers, which saw tens of thousands of people come onto their doorsteps to show their appreciation for the NHS.
The Mayor has also hailed the region's transport workers, describing those who are ensuring that our buses, trains and trams are still running for key workers as "real heroes".
Mr Street said: "From those staying at home and minimising the risk of infection, to our frontline NHS workers and supermarket staff, everyone across the West Midlands is playing their part.
"The only thing I can really say to all of you is 'thank you'.
"The community response, too, has been phenomenal, and has seen our region pull together like never before.
"From people delivering supplies to their elderly neighbours and showing their support to NHS staff, to restaurants serving free food to key workers and manufacturers putting their resources into developing ventilators, these incredibly challenging and difficult times have brought the best out of our region.
"We may be steeped in history and heritage, but I have never been prouder to say that I am a West Midlander."
Less than two months ago Mr Street was at Aldridge Transport Museum launching a bold plan to revolutionise travel around the region, the first major announcement of his campaign for a second term in office.
While that plan still stands, his mayoral campaign is on ice, with the election postponed until next year when hopefully a sense of normality has returned.
Kind-heartedness
Instead of embarking on an election campaign, he's kept public appearances to an absolute minimum, with the majority of his trips out of the house centring around his new role of delivering food parcels to his elderly parents in Solihull.
He's been at the forefront of the fight for Government support for the region's workers, businesses and the self-employed.
He also cites the new hospital facility at the NEC as a prime example of the West Midlands "pulling together brilliantly".
"The idea of the hospital at the NEC is that if the numbers continue to rise as expected, the hospital will come on stream when it is necessary," he said.
The Mayor admitted he was concerned about the rising number of Covid-19 deaths in the West Midlands, where the Black Country is a hotspot and now has the highest death rate in the UK.
He said he wants to see further reductions in the number of people using public transport for "unnecessary journeys", adding that it was crucial that the region kept up the "level of responsibility and kind-heartedness" as the crisis deepens.
"We have got through the first week, but there will be plenty more incredibly tough weeks to come," Mr Street said.
"We can get through this and beat coronavirus, but we have to do it together."
His message to the region may be familiar by now, but it is one that he is convinced will see us through the crisis: "Please keep following the Government guidance and stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives."
