Councils prepared to continue business during coronavirus pandemic

The authority has plans in place to deal with the effects of a surge in cases of the infectious virus, which is also known as Covid-19.

So far four people in Staffordshire have been confirmed as having the virus – and another patient who is not from Staffordshire or Stoke on Trent has been treated for Covid-19.

Now health services and local authorities are gearing up for more cases and measures such as people self-isolating to reduce the risk of its spread.

Several public events and gatherings have been cancelled or postponed elsewhere in the country as a precaution.

But in Staffordshire it is still business as usual for councils.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, Alan White, said: “Our advice is still the same – follow good personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“Like all councils, we have extensive business continuity plans in place, which are put into action in the event of any major incident. We already operate on agile working principles, so we are fully equipped to conduct meetings virtually to ensure that core county council business can continue.”

Stafford Borough Council is also currently running as usual, spokesman Will Conaghan said.

He added: “We haven’t cancelled any meetings due to the coronavirus.

“The council will continue to follow updated advice from Public Health England.

“We will immediately act on any change to this advice in relation to council meetings and other services that we deliver.”