Below is James' letter to residents in Rochford and Southend East, which was published in today's edition of the Southend Echo. 

Dear Resident,

James Duddridge MP is hoping to raise extra cash for charity this week by using his daily exercise to rack up enough miles to total the distance of a marathon.

The public is being urged not to add further pressure to the emergency services by entering the water along Southend seafront during the coronavirus pandemic.  

Furlough scheme extended to help more workers get 80% of wages paid
The Government's furlough scheme was this week extended to help more workers get paid during these tough times. 

A £59 million debt write-off for Southend Hospital has been welcomed by James Duddridge MP. 
 
Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will have the debt written off as part of the Government's announcement to scrap £13.4bn of NHS debt across England.

Your coronavirus update from James Duddridge MP

3rd April 2020

#DontVisitSouthend
Anyone can catch coronavirus, and anyone can spread it. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Southend Borough Council and the tourism board to insist – don’t visit Southend during this pandemic!

James Duddridge MP says ensuring local NHS staff have the protective equipment they need to beat coronavirus is a key priority.

James Duddridge MP is urging the public to avoid Southend’s seafront this weekend and follow the government’s instruction to stay home.  

The caution comes after large crowds descended on the promenade last week, despite repeated warnings of the risk of coronavirus spreading.

Update: Help announced for the self-employed
Thank you to all the constituents who have contacted me about support for self-employed workers.

Vehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption for MOT testing as part of the government’s ongoing effort to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.