Rutland County Council has pledged to do as much as it can to support communities and businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

For the latest official COVID-19 health advice and guidance on self-isolation, please go to: nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: “The situation is incredibly serious. We are in daily contact with the UK government and senior health officials who are coordinating the coronavirus response, and we continue to follow the latest guidance. Our priority, above all else, is to protect and support people in Rutland.

“We have plans in place to make sure we can continue to provide the essential services that people rely on – in particular, caring for vulnerable adults and children. We will do our very best to minimise disruption to non-essential services. Where this can’t be avoided because of the need to protect members of the public and use our staff where they’re needed most, we will make sure you are kept informed and have all the latest information.

“Please keep an eye on our website, social media channels and the local media for further updates.”

Councillor Hemsley added: “Rutland County Council is well prepared, fully focussed and determined to make sure our residents and businesses are supported for as long as is needed to overcome coronavirus. We know there are others out in the community who are also committed to helping and I would encourage anyone who is self-isolating to see our website for details of local volunteer groups and good neighbour schemes.

“Similarly, further information and links to official guidance, including advice for local businesses, can be found on our website: www.rutland.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

Rutland County Council will chair a conference call with Parish Councils today (Wednesday March 18) in order discuss community support arrangements throughout the county.

From Monday March 23, the Council will close the main public enquiry desk at its offices in Oakham but will be extending the operating hours for its call centre to handle COVID-19 enquiries. The contact centre will be open from 8.00am until 8.00pm, Monday to Friday, together with a separate 24-hour emergency support line for enquiries outside of these hours.

Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle will be closed from today (Wednesday 18 March) onwards. Visions Children’s Centre, Brightways Day Centre and local libraries continue to operate as normal.

Kerbside bin collections for household waste, recycling and green waste are also continuing as normal.

As of yesterday (Tuesday 17 March), Rutland County Council has cancelled all public meetings, including Full Council, Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees. A further update will be provided as to when the Council’s annual programme of meetings will resume.