Crisis greatest challenge since 'World War II'

THE CORONAVIRUS crisis in Calderdale is the biggest challenge the borough has faced since the Second World War says the council leader.

Calderdale Council leader Coun Tim Swift gave an update to the situation in Calderdale at Monday’s Cabinet meeting.

He also revealed that the authority has come up with a ten point plant to tackle the pandemic.

“Five weeks ago, Cabinet met just a day after the devastating flooding caused by Storm Ciara,” said Coun Swift (Lab, Town).

“We have seen an incredible response across Calderdale to that event, but we meet now in the shadow of Covid-19, which will test all of us in new and unprecedented ways.

“I want to say at the outset that this is not a political statement as Leader of the Council in the usual sense.

“I do not intend to address the many debates about the right and wrongs of the current Government response at this time, though I may do so at other times.

“However, I do not accept one statement made by the Prime Minister last Thursday, which described Covid-19 as the greatest challenge of our generation.

“It is not. It is the greatest challenge this nation has faced since the Second World War, and is likely to be the greatest pandemic the world has experienced since the Spanish Flu over one hundred years ago.

“Our response will be defined by kindness and resilience, the way we work and live in Calderdale, and our commitment to a collaborative leadership of our health and care system across the borough and within the West Yorkshire Partnership.

“We are a place that has had more than its fair share of crises to handle, and a place that in a crisis acts in a calm, proportionate and determined way. A place that will deliver this response for weeks, months, however long it takes, whilst we ensure we care and look after our most vulnerable residents; our staff in the Council and the NHS; and all others who are ready to help us across the health and care system and beyond.

“So what does this mean in practice, and what do we intend to do in Calderdale in the context of what may be agreed by Government? Today, I am setting out our initial ten point plan, our core response at this point in time.

“We are delivering this in a rapidly changing dynamic situation and it will be continuously reviewed and updated in light of Government policy and actions. This plan will be delivered through collaborative partnership with

CALDERDALE COUNCIL has revealed a ten point plan to tackle the coronavirus situation in the borough. Leaders met at tonight’s Cabinet meeting to discuss the pandemic and has drawn up a plan to prevent, protect and help people who may contract the virus. Calderdale Council’s Leader Councillor Tim Swift said: “We are delivering this in a rapidly changing dynamic situation and it will be continuously reviewed and updated in light of Government policy and actions. This plan will be delivered through collaborative partnership with all agencies and all sectors in Calderdale. “Our ten point plan is as follows: n Deliver our statutory public health responsibilities - to do all that we can within our resources, and within our ability, to protect the health and wellbeing of our population in Calderdale, working within the National Action Plan and ensuring effective partnership with our colleagues in the NHS. n Target our efforts on those who will most need our help and support if they contract Covid-19 – this includes the most at risk groups, the elderly and those with pre-existing long term conditions through redeploying

PANDEMIC: Council Tim Swift sees the extent on COVID-19’s effect on Calderdale.