Date: 24/03/2020   |   Category - News, Public Protection Services

Council leaders are urging residents to obey strict government curbs on our daily lives in response to the increasing Coronavirus pandemic.

Services such as health and social care are being overwhelmed by the unprecedented pressures that are being put on them due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Local authority enforcement teams will play a vital role in working with the police in ensuring that the measures are adhered to by all residents.

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“Over the past few days, residents have been asked to make sweeping changes to their daily lives, in order to slow the spread of the virus, protect vital services and save lives. As the First Minister made clear last night, the time has come for us all to do more.

“Key council staff are working tirelessly and playing a vital role in the huge response efforts, and I would like to thank all of them for the work that they have done and will continue to do in the coming months. The coronavirus outbreak poses a severe threat not only to us as residents but also to the ability of services, such as social care and health, to continue to be there for us when we need them most.

“If there is anybody at all in Wales who still thinks that they’re somehow exempt from shouldering this responsibility, my fellow council leaders and I say to them: think again. No ifs, no buts. This is down to all of us – every single resident in this country without exception – to protect ourselves, each other, our families and our communities from harm.

“Council enforcement teams will be working closely with the police and are prepared to use all enforcement powers available to them to ensure that the measures are fully observed in all parts of Wales.”

“This is an historic moment for our communities. Our children and grandchildren will ask us about this period in years to come. Don’t be the person who has to tell them ‘I wish I had done things differently’.

“Not often in times of crisis does every single person have the chance to help to end it – but that is certainly the case today: Stay at home. Save lives.”

-ENDS-