March 17: 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.

"In line with national guidance to reduce social interaction and to avoid events with large groups of people, we have decided to cancel all our events until the end of May. This includes major events like Supercar Saturday and the Duathlon, as well as the ceremonial aspects of next month's Annual Council Meeting.

"I appreciate this will be disappointing to many people, but it is the responsible thing to do.

"Though Council services are continuing as normal, we anticipate that we will be scaling back some non-essential services in the next few days. We will of course, communicate details of any such changes to services as and when those decisions are made.

"Like I said in yesterday's update, we have business continuity plans in place to ensure we can focus our resources where they are most needed, with particular focus on those services that protect the most vulnerable. We are also taking steps to protect our most vulnerable staff in line with national guidance.

"And we stand ready to help businesses access the recently-announced financial support from Government as soon as it becomes available.

"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 school closures or disruption to services, visit Our People.