Rupa Huq Self-Isolating After Contact With Prime Minister
Ealing Central & Acton MP in proximity with Boris Johnson prior to COVID-19 diagnosis
(photo taken on 25 March..with permission, Rupa Huq)
The Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq is self-isolating due to having been in close proximity to Boris Johnson shortly before he announced that he had the virus.
She and her son were in contact at the House of Commons with Boris Johnson, the day before he tested positive. She has paid tribute to the many key workers currently operating throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
She told us, : ''I'm fine as is my son. To be honest the advice changes so fast that what seemed possible on Wednesday (a quick photo in passing taken by the PM's aide) seems unimaginable now. In retrospect Parliament sat rather late in the day but we did want too scrutinise the Coronavirus Bill too which gives a huge amount of powers to the government over our lives so it was a delicate balance.
''Thankfully the House of Commons which encourages close encounters of the Parliamentary kind at every turn is at least on an early recess so us MPs can concentrate on helping our constituents navigate the maze of what legislative implications the virus now has for every aspect of our lives.
''If you are contacting my office please make sure you've included your postal address as I'm only authorised to act for those living in the Ealing Central and Acton constituency.
We are working flat out round to clock to resolve some unprecedented situations. I would like to pay tribute to my amazing staff team who are only small in number but are working daily miracles.
''I also want to praise all Ealing, Acton and Chiswick's keyworkers. From the retail staff keeping us fed under enormous pressures to bin collectors - mine has been going as normal - social care workers and of course our unparalleled NHS staff whose dedication never fails to amaze and our teachers still keeping going for our most vulnerable kids and the children of essential workers when many of us have retreated to the safety of our homes.
"As well as these officially designated, Ealing, Acton and Chiswick are enormously grateful to have excellent public servants in our two councils and brilliant residents whose unsung altruism has shone through. Ironically a crisis of social distancing and isolationism has brought us together!"
In this article for The Guardian Rupa reflects on how Coronavirus has completely changed how politics works.
March 31 2020