Hartlepool council 'ahead of many others' with coronavirus preparations - leader offers reassurance

The top man at Hartlepool Borough Council said he is working with senior officers to ensure all emergency planning procedures are being implemented ‘as quickly and efficiently as possible’.

The council has already announced closures to several key buildings in the town and cancelled events and council meetings due to the outbreak.

Businesses are also trying to adapt to social-distancing measures people have been asked to adopt, including avoiding pubs, restaurants and any form of gathering.

Posting on his public Facebook, Coun Moore praised the ‘fantastic and dedicated team’ at the council and noted adult social care staff have robust measures in place to help the vulnerable.

He said: “Please be assured that I and senior officers at Hartlepool Borough Council are working flat out at this time to ensure that all of our emergency planning procedures are being implemented as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“The Adult Social Care service is fully appraised of what their roles and responsibilities are and they have robust measures in place to ensure that all of those who are deemed to be vulnerable are looked after and get the assistance they require during this outbreak.

“I would stress that we do have a fantastic and dedicated team of civil servants who are absolutely professional in what they do and following the numerous meetings and teleconference calls I have been involved in over the past few days it is quite clear that HBC are actually ahead of many local authorities in preparations.”

He also stressed additional financial support would be available to local businesses in the town following government announcements earlier this week, adding they are awaiting detailed government regulations.

The Independent Union representative added the council is continuing to conduct exercises around the delivery of key services as well as working alongside the voluntary sector for them to assist in potential scenarios.

He also urged residents to continue to check the council website at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/coronavirus or any of their social media outlets for updated guidance and support, adding there will be daily communications issued.

He noted most of the advice issued will be coming directly from the Government, NHS, Public Health or another official outlet.

Additionally anyone deemed to be high risk and is experiencing difficulties in obtaining medicines, care or basic foodstuffs should contact their support worker/social services to ensure they get the correct professional assistance.

All schools are due to close from Friday March 20 in Hartlepool and elsewhere in the UK following the Prime Minister’s announcement in Wednesday March 18.

Boris Johnson said provision would be made available to care for the children of key workers to ensure vital services could still operate during the pandemic.