Wigan Council leader urges people to continue observing coronavirus lockdown

The leader of Wigan Council has urged people to continue observing government coronavirus lockdown measures.
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Coun David Molyneux said the council can be proud of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic but that it was important not to be complacent.

He urged residents to continue following guidelines on social distancing and isolate if anyone in their household has symptoms of the virus.

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Council chiefs said that new measures to protect the vulnerable, keep essential services running and support the business community have helped the authority deliver on its COVID-19 response plan.

The Government has said just one form of exercise per day is permitted per person.The Government has said just one form of exercise per day is permitted per person.
The Government has said just one form of exercise per day is permitted per person.

They said that significant achievements have been made despite the unprecedented challenges facing council staff working alongside NHS and emergency services colleagues.

Highlights include the formation of seven community hubs co-ordinating the volunteer response and helping those that need support and a council depot being transformed into a PPE and food supply hub.

A seven-day per week helpline has been established, bin collections continue as normal and £20m in business support grants has been distributed to borough firms.

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Coun Molyneux reiterated calls for residents to maintain their community spirit and help the collective efforts to tackle COVID-19.

He said: “From the start we have said that working together we can restrict the spread of this virus. Although progress has been made, we cannot afford to be complacent.

“Please continue to follow guidelines on social distancing, isolating if anyone in your household has symptoms and only leaving your house if absolutely necessary.

“Stay home, be kind and save lives.”

It comes as the council launched its five-point plan in response to the COVID-19 outbreak three weeks ago.

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Council chiefs said the following measures are among the list of what has been delivered by staff;

The health of all our people

A new hospital discharge unit has been established at the Mercure Hotel, new accommodation and support for homeless.

Revamp of council depot space to create food supply and PPE hub, Armed Forces Hub also assisting with PPE and food parcel distribution.

Support for care homes and social workers helping vulnerable children.

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Managing parks and public spaces to promote social distancing guidelines.

Support our strong communities

Community hubs established, distributing thousands of food parcels to help those self-isolating or identified as the most vulnerable and coordinating volunteer effort.

Helpline set up operating seven days a week – more than 1,000 calls to date with more than 650 web forms submitted.

Thousands of postcards offering help and guidance posted to elderly residents.

Support our businesses

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Among the first authorities to begin distributing business support grants with more than £20m passed on to 2,000 borough businesses to date.

Hundreds of businesses have received support and guidance.

A new online business directory set up which details local businesses that can deliver essentials to residents’ doorsteps.

Continue to work well with you as a council

Bin collections continue on normal rota – residents are now allowed to leave one additional side bag of waste with their black bin collection. Crematorium, burial and registrars service continues.

Hundreds of staff redeployed to new emergency roles to help key services.

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Support packages available for those in hardship or struggling to pay bills and tenants in social housing and private rented sector.

Communicate to you

Communicating regularly with residents through various channels, including updated guidance and support information in Borough Life magazine.

Connecting vulnerable residents, using technology to keep residents in our care homes connected and releasing 50 iPads to the hospital to keep loved ones connected.

A range of resources – including a new What’s In Guide, plus handy guides and tips for people of all ages – are now available on the BeKind website.

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Coun Molyneux added: “We can be proud of what has been set up in such a short space of time to support our residents and the community response to this current situation has been fantastic.

“But we know that there will be challenges to come and we are all in this for the long haul. It is vitally important that we all keep doing our bit to relieve the strain on public services.”

For more information about the council's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its community hubs, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/bekind

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