March 19 2020: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "I would like to reassure residents that we continue to work very closely with our partners, particularly the NHS and Public Health England (PHE), to support people in the Borough to manage the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

"We have business continuity plans in place and are scaling back a number of non-essential services to ensure we can focus our resources on those services that protect the most vulnerable. In recent days we have taken decisions to close libraries and cancel all our events until the end of May.

"And this process is continuing. We have decided today that the Learning and Skills Service will cease all face to face and classroom activity from the end of normal business tomorrow (March 20) until further notice. Staff are working to maintain online teaching and learner support wherever possible.

"We're also putting a lot of work into making sure businesses can access the recently-announced financial assistance from Government as soon as possible.

"Meanwhile, details about payments from the Hardship Fund will go on  Stockton's hardship fund as soon as we have them. And as was announced tonight, we're supporting Catalyst's work to create a 'COVID Community Support Team' to help protect the Borough's vulnerable and elderly.

"It is important that people remain calm, follow the latest national advice on the steps needed to reduce the spread of infection, and use only official sources of information when getting this advice."

For links to all the national Coronavirus advice, as well as details of any disruption to services, visit Our People.