IT has always been said that “People Make Glasgow” – but now, as the deadly coronavirus grips the nation, that phrase is being put to the test.

Nearly 50 people in Greater Glasgow have been struck down with COVID-15, the greatest number for a health board in the whole of the country.

Now, Scotland’s biggest city is being urged to show its resilience in a bid to help those less fortunate tackle the virus.

While the younger, more healthy community in the city will likely experience mild symptoms, Glasgow’s elderly and more vulnerable people – including homeless people and those with underlying health conditions – face a much harder fight.

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Glasgow Labour MSP Anas Sarwar, today writing in the paper, is calling on Times readers to fight back and help take care of those less fortunate. He is also suggesting we consider the suspension of all non-essential services during what is a “worrying time for us all”.

Writing to MPs, MSPs, councillors, trade unions, community groups and local businesses, Sarwar said: “If we can do this right, then I believe Glasgow can be an example to other communities across Scotland.”

He went on: “If we can mobilise people in every community then we can then help identify the vulnerable, do welfare visits at a distance and safely assist in delivering food and supplies.

“I think Glasgow has unique challenges,” he added. “But also unique opportunities too.”

“As Scotland’s biggest city we have higher levels of deprivation and ill-health, we have a high number of single resident households and also a large elderly population.

“But we also have a large pool of labour in our public sector, active and engaged trade unions, a thriving and active third sector, organised faith groups ... and a community spirit that has made Glasgow what it is.”

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In the last few days, as the pandemic has intensified in the city, we have already seen a number of groups set up to help the public.

Thousands of people have signed up to Facebook “Self-Isolation Support Groups” in communities across all four corners of our city.

Councillor Eva Murray expressed her praise at the Garscadden and Scotstounhill Community for coming together to help people who are self-isolating with simple errands. A general format for groups is emerging, with an online survey for each asking the public what they can or cannot help with.

She told the Glasgow Times: “We reached out to the community via social media after seeing other politicians down south doing a similar thing. We’ve had a really great response so far.

“The survey specifies what people can or can’t help with. Over the next few days we will be putting out a separate one for those who may need help to fill in.

“The aim then is to match the volunteers up with people who may need assistance while they self-isolate.”

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The scheme allows volunteers to help those in need with their shopping, posting mail and even just checking in for a friendly phone call.

Meanwhile, students at Glasgow University are also doing their bit to help those amid the pandemic. The university’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) has set up a postcard scheme for students to print off and post to their neighbours if they are in the position to help others.

The options include picking up shopping, posting people’s mail, a friendly phone call or collecting urgent supplies.

If you want to help out your community get in touch with us at news@glasgowtimes.co.uk