Coronavirus: Wealden council leader issues message to the public

Councillor Bob Standley issued a message to the public this week (Tuesday) outlining the council’s response regarding the need to limit the spread of coronavirus.

He said, “We are continuing to provide a full range of public services for the people of Wealden, and support for those most vulnerable in our communities.

“In view of the latest advice of the UK government and Public Health England, we are putting in place contingency plans to enable council staff to work from home where possible. This will ensure Wealden District Council can continue its many services to support the community. I know other businesses across the district are taking similar measures.

“Our existing contingency plans to deal with a national flu pandemic are being modified in line with the latest guidance to deal with the unprecedented situation caused by the coronavirus.

“We will continue to keep our public reception area open at our Vicarage Lane offices in Hailsham, but we would encourage residents to email or telephone wherever possible. Our customer contact centre will be fully staffed to answer your enquiries.

“We have issued guidance to our field officers whose role involves visiting people and sites in the district so they can take sensible precautions. This includes seeking confirmation that people they are visiting are free from any symptoms. We hope our customers will be mindful of this.

“We are also looking at carrying out face-to-face meeting using Skype and other internet technologies where possible. We have stopped benefits visits to people who are over 70 or have a high risk medical condition.

“Rather than write letters, we would encourage members of the public to send emails wherever possible. Contact email addresses for our various services can be found on our website.

“We should all continue to follow Public Health England’s advice about good hygiene and social distancing. In difficult times, it is important that communities work together, particularly to help people who may be facing periods of self-isolation.

“The internet and the telephone will become increasingly important as we work together to support each other, keep in touch and manage the effects of the pandemic.”

• Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an illness which affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms are a high temperature and continuous cough.

• NHS advice is to regularly wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. • If you live alone, stay at home for seven days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

• If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill

• Call 111 if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your symptoms get worse.