Over the last few weeks of lockdown in Dagenham and Rainham we have begun to see what commentators have called a ‘crisis within a crisis’ referring to the alarming lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the health sector and social care facilities.

Jon Cruddas MP has worked alongside neighbouring MPs and local businesses to coordinate what PPE is available to the places that need it, but this week it has emerged through anonymous tip-offs that care homes are suffering the brunt of the crisis.

During March, CEO of Stansted Airport contacted politicians for support that the airport believed was needed from the Government to protect jobs and enable the industry to help drive the economy forward in due course. Over the last two weeks the airport have been analysing a series of policy announcements and their impacts, as well as working hard to ensure London Stansted Airport is ready and able to weather these unprecedented circumstances.

Last week, Asda proudly launched a dedicated volunteer shopping card to help vulnerable customers and those who are self-isolating and unable to go into store. There are a number of Asda superstores located in and around Dagenham and Rainham that residents can access, and this new scheme seeks to support the most vulnerable along with our key workers.

This week Jon Cruddas MP was contacted by The Environment Agency regarding the measures they have taken in the current crisis to continue operating in accordance with government guidelines.

Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan explained: “Our key priorities are to protect the health, safety and well-being of our own staff, the public and the businesses and partners we work with; to prevent loss of life and serious harm to the environment; and to keep our critical operations running.”