March 18: 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.

"To help stop the spread of the virus, we have closed all libraries in the Borough until further notice. This decision does not affect the Customer Service points in our three main town centre libraries in Billingham, Stockton and Thornaby. These Customer Service points will remain open.

"We will of course, extend the borrowing periods for books that are currently out on loan. And now is a good time to remind people that the library service offers a wide selection of ebooks which you can access from your own home. Details are available on our website at Libraries and archives.

"Preston Hall Museum has also closed, though the park grounds remain open as normal. This follows on from yesterday's decision to cancel all of our events until the end of May."

Councillor Cook added: "We are also in contact with the Borough's lead VCSE organisation, Catalyst, about assembling an army of volunteers who will spearhead a major effort to support our vulnerable and elderly residents during this very difficult time.

"We have volunteers and community groups chomping at the bit to assist and we will begin work immediately on uniting them all and harnessing this tidal wave of goodwill in a coordinated effort to make sure help reaches those who most need it. We will have more details of this very soon.

"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.