Coronavirus is unprecedented but Shropshire Council is ready, says leader
The leader of Shropshire Council has written an open letter to residents reassuring them that the authority is prepared to deal with coronavirus.
So far three people in Shropshire have been diagnosed with Covid-19, a virus putting major strain on local resources which have already been under major pressure due to the recent flooding across the region.
Councillor Peter Nutting said he had decided to reach out to stress that Shropshire Council is prepared and that its public health and emergency response teams were helping to co-ordinate support for residents and business while working alongside other local, regional and national organisations.
It comes after the risk rating from coronavirus was raised from moderate to high on Thursday and the number of UK cases rose to 798 on Friday.
As of Friday a total 11 people had died after testing positive, with the closest death to Shropshire coming at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.
The UK’s approach to developing “herd immunity” against Covid-19 has been called into question by the World Health Organisation, with spokeswoman Margaret Harris saying more action is needed.
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In a letter to residents Councillor Nutting said: "I am issuing this communication to stress that as a local authority we are prepared for situations like this; our public health and emergency response teams help co-ordinate the many services we have supporting residents and businesses, working alongside other local, regional and national colleagues to ensure our efforts align.
"As you may be aware, Shropshire has received its third case of Covid-19. It is likely that we will get more cases, and we want to reassure you that Shropshire Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Shropshire are protected.
"As a council we have specialists trained to deal with issues like Covid-19 and plans are in place that have been built on years of knowledge and experience.
"That said, it goes without saying that this situation is unprecedented: please know our teams mobilised many weeks ago as the threat emerged to ensure we respond to the Government’s requests, alongside our local needs."
Councillor Nutting urged residents to follow government guidelines and maintain good hygiene.
He added: "There are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
"Do keep looking at the current NHS advice on nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19. Please also follow the updated travel guidance on gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus."
He said helpful links had been added to the council's website.
"It is unquestionably a challenging time for everyone in the country, so we simply urge you to follow the guidance given and remain current, as the instruction is changing frequently to manage the situation.
"Please do what you can to remain safe in the coming weeks and months. Our teams are equipped to work from anywhere, and we are prepared to support residents and businesses to the best of our ability throughout this crisis. Please follow the guidance and know that we are here to support you."
