Essential services are priority for council in coronavirus pandemic
THE leader of Bridgend County Borough Council has said the authority is to focus its resources on the delivery of essential services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Huw David said the council would prioritise services for the most vulnerable residents and the council would ensure everyone was as informed as possible with advice and necessary measures.
A second death in Wales was confirmed on Tuesday.
Chief Medical Officer Frank Atherton has said the patient was 96, had underlying health conditions and was being treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
As of Tuesday, 136 people in Wales have been diagnosed with coronavirus, including three in Bridgend county borough.
Cllr David said: “We are facing an unprecedented situation around the rapid escalation of coronavirus.
“We want to reassure residents that, in collaboration with our partners, all necessary steps will be taken to support the wellbeing of our communities as much as possible.
“We have put in place a range of additional measures to comply immediately with the most recent government advice.
“While we will seek to try and maintain the delivery of as many public services as possible, it is already clear that we will not be able to deliver everything that we normally do, and that moving forward, we will need to focus our resources on a smaller number of essential services for however long the current situation prevails.
“Where possible and together with our partners and volunteers, additional services are being put in place to serve those who have been advised to selfisolate.
“We ask for the understanding of residents that unfortunately, it will not be possible to undertake ‘normal’ business for a sustained period of time. There will be inevitable delays in responding to some queries and dealing with day-to-day matters.”
The local authority has cancelled all council meetings in the chamber and committee rooms.
Cllr David said: “This cancellation period will apply until Thursday, April 9 to give us time to reconsider the matter in the event of any significant changes. However, it may be necessary to extend that period beyond this date.
“At times like this, elected members play an even more important role as community leaders by providing a conduit between residents and the council, and helping to ensure that they are kept informed and stay calm.
“Due to the speed at which things are changing, we urge our residents to keep a close eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and our website, for the latest news.
“This will follow on from the national guidance issued by both the UK Government and the
Welsh Government.
“Across both the council and our partner organisations, all staff are working incredibly hard to ensure that our level of preparedness is as advanced as it can be.
“We have plans to redeploy staff as necessary with fast-tracked training in place to support priority areas.
“These are very challenging times, we would like to thank our staff and all those in our communities, especially our volunteers, clubs and organisations, for their continued understanding, their incredible work and offers of support.
“Please rest assured we remain vigilant, adaptable and ready to implement contingency arrangements which will ensure the continued delivery of essential services.”
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