Community kindness for David Gomoh on day that government publishes total deaths from Covid-19 = 26,097 people
Dear Newham Resident,
Yesterday, I reported on the devastating news of the senseless murder of 24-year old NHS worker David Gomoh from Newham, who was attacked in the most brutal way. His family, including his mother, who works as a matron in Newham University Hospital, are now mourning the death of two loved ones; as his father had also recently died having contracted Covid-19.
Earlier today, the police released a photo of a silver Dodge Caliber car found abandoned minutes after the stabbing, half a mile away which was stolen in Dagenham last week. The car had cloned number plates and was distinctive, as it had a temporary front wheel on the passenger side, which you can see here.
The police are appealing for witnesses, and earlier today on a TV appeal I urged any witnesses to come forward so that justice can be sought for the family. Please, if you have any information, I urge you to call the police on 0208 345 3985 quoting CAD 8371/26APR; or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The outpouring of sorrow has been great, and if you want to donate to support the family with funeral costs, visit David Gomohs Funeral - Go Fund Me page . No amount of money can compensate or ease the pain felt by David’s family, however in time I hope they will be lifted by the support our community is showing them.
Today, for the first time, the government released daily figures of the total number of people who have died after testing positive from Covid-19 in hospitals, care homes and the wider community. That’s 26,097 people, an increase of 765 losing their lives in all settings since yesterday. In Newham, I reported yesterday that there had been 214 Covid-19 related deaths.
Overall, these figures are likely to significantly understate the true extent of coronavirus deaths, because so many people are dying without being tested. Public Health England has also said the total number of deaths is around 17% higher than previous data showed – and there are an additional 3,811 deaths since the start of the outbreak, with around 70% outside hospital settings and 30% in hospital.
And today, we also heard from the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, who’s hinted that government are considering plans about how and when to reopen schools ‘in a phased manner’. In a meeting of Parliament’s Education Committee this morning, he told MPs that while no date has been fixed; the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), is looking at how a phased reopening could work in line with ‘scientific advice’. You can read more here.
The government also confirmed today that it will automatically grant free visa exemptions for migrant health and care workers on the frontline; with the extension also now applying to midwives, radiographers, social workers and pharmacists. While the families of those healthcare workers who die as a result of contracting the virus will also be offered immediate indefinite leave to remain; it highlights the risks that those in the NHS and care sector are still being exposed too.
That’s why we need to keep holding the government to account on whether they are doing enough to increase the supplies of personal protective equipment; and ensuring that all NHS and care worker staff, as well as essential workers are able to access Covid-19 testing. Otherwise they could die.
That’s why, as we continue to endure bad news, tragic stories and pessimistic forecasts about the future, I’ll be out tomorrow night at 8pm, to #ClapForOurCarers, #ClapForKeyworkers #ClapforOurNHS - and I hope you’ll be out too on your doorsteps and balconies.
During this national demonstration of our support, let’s remember David Gomoh, his father and pray for comfort for his mother and family.