“Our strength is in our togetherness” – says Kirklees Council Leader
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, has provided an update on the local response to the spread of coronavirus.
Councillor Pandor said:
“The situation with coronavirus is understandably causing people a great deal of worry but I want to reassure residents that at Kirklees Council we are working hard and doing everything we can to keep you as safe as possible. Public health and the wellbeing of all our residents is my top priority.
I really want to reassure people that we’re working very closely with Public Health England to keep the risk to people in Kirklees as low as possible.
This is completely unprecedented circumstances for everyone and all we can do as a local authority is follow the guidance from Government and make decisions locally that we believe best protect people, their communities, families and loved ones.
The biggest strength we have in Kirklees is our togetherness and I urge local people to look out for each other the best you can. If you are fit and able, offer help to those who need it. My promise to residents is that we will do all we can to make this period as easy and as manageable as we possibly can for you.
As a resident the very best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you is to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and follow the other advice coming from the Government. For example, if you are showing symptoms self-isolate for 14 days.
In the coming weeks it is possible that we might see an impact on our staffing levels. If a large number of our staff have to self-isolate, we have business continuity plans that will see us prioritise our essential services. This would mean us moving staff from other parts of the organisation to support the services that absolutely have to continue no matter what.
This includes doing everything we can to continue to deliver the care and support our elderly and most vulnerable residents rely on and deserve. We’re also working closely with all of our headteachers to make sure the impact on the education of our children is kept to a minimum and that pupils and staff are safe.
To keep up to date with coronavirus and issues around it, please rely only on official information for updates, help and advice. The best way to stay informed is to regularly check official guidance from organisations such as Public Health England and the Government.”
More information
- Latest coronavirus updates from Kirklees Council
- Coronavirus help and advice from the Government and NHS
Hi John, we have recently updated this policy, please see the newest article on this. https://kirkleestogether.co.uk/2020/04/14/support-for-the-bereaved-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/ regards^CP
Disgusted with KMC ruling on closed cremations, then to blame the government when its KMCs decision. Who made this decision and who approved it. It wasn’t the elected councillors as most didn’t even know
Hi Alex, we are working with our partner agencies in the emergency services to make sure that any of their staff who need access to parking, on street and in council car parks, know how to access this for free. Kind regards ^EMT
Will parking in the town centre be free for key workers?
Hi Pat, we are putting arrangements in place to ensure that every child who receives a free school meal and any vulnerable child has a meal in school or a healthy packed lunch, or vouchers to buy food if that is best for them and their family. Kind regards ^EMT
Assume schools will close then (the sensible position). What is the council doing to ensure children have a daily substantial meal – especially those on free school meals?