'I applaud Islwyn residents who are staying at home to protect the NHS and to save lives'

ISLWYN'S communities have endured and conquered hardship many many times before.

I was brought up in Newbridge during the miners strike of the 1980s.

In the last decade I was a Labour councillor in Risca where we saw the sad need for food banks, to aid those abandoned by the policies of austerity.

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Now, as the Assembly Member for Islwyn, our communities are confronted with one of the greatest public health challenges, of this era - the coronavirus pandemic.

I applaud Islwyn residents who are staying at home to protect the NHS and to save lives. Thank you.

This lockdown will continue for some time yet. Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford has stated Wales must "not throw away gains" made against coronavirus "by abandoning our efforts just as they begin to bear fruit".

The stay-at-home regulations mean you can only leave home for: shopping for groceries or essentials any medical need travelling to and from work, if it is absolutely necessary and you cannot work from home one form of exercise per day In Wales, people can face fines of between £60 and £120 for breaching the rules.

The creation of the National Health Service by the post-war Labour government of Clement Attlee is the Labour Party’s greatest legacy to the British people.

Today, more than ever, we see how that beautiful idea - made reality - is so critical to the very fabric of British life.

The outpouring of gratitude each Thursday at 8pm across Islwyn is truly moving.

Across communities like Aberbargoed, Blackwood, Cross Keys, Pontllanfraith and Ynysddu - entire families are coming out of their houses to applaud and make huge noise for the men and women of our National Health Service.

They do so to ensure the frontline staff - the care workers, the delivery people and essential bin men and women - know we thank and value them for keeping our society running.

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I continue to work to represent my constituents.

My fantastic staff, like so many other professionals, and myself are working remotely learning new skills as we Skype, FaceTime and Zoom to work for you.

If an Islwyn constituent has any issues please get in touch. You will never walk alone.

Abercarn, Argoed, Cefn Fforest, Crumlin, Maesycwmmer, Pengam and Penmaen people continue to maintain good spirits and a willingness to stick together to beat this vicious virus.

I will continue to press at all and every level for increased testing, and the vital personal protective equipment for all critical workers dealing with the sick and the vulnerable.

• You can contact Rhianon Passmore on rhianon.Passmore@assembly.wales