COUNCIL chiefs have come together to vow critical services to the public will be maintained during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
Waste and recycling collections, street cleaning, bereavement services and support for vulnerable people including rough sleepers and flood victims will be prioritised as the council works to support the welfare of residents and ensure the city continues to operate as well as possible.
Some council officers will be moved from their normal duties to help with key services, but the welfare of those staff will be prioritised at all times.
Black bin collections went ahead as normal on Tuesday, unlike green bin collections. Council chiefs have vowed to catch up with missed recycling collections next week.
“Our advice is to bag up your recycling if your green bin’s full, crushing cans and plastic bottles to save space. Please do not put recycling in your black bin.”
The Guildhall is now closed to the public along with play areas across Worcester, in line with Government advised.
Coun Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “No-one in the city will be unaffected by the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak and the City Council will play a leading role in supporting and reassuring our residents and businesses.
“I have been working with the council’s officers to put arrangements in place to make sure the most important services that we know our residents depend on can all continue to operate.
“Our residents and businesses can rest assured that we will ensure bins are still collected and the streets are still cleaned. We are also prioritising the Crematorium and support for homeless people, rough sleepers and victims of the recent floods.”
Coun Adrian Gregson, deputy leader of the council, said: “Like most organisations we now have many of our staff working from home but we are focussing our resources on those areas that we know are top priorities for our residents and businesses.
“At the same time we are prioritising the welfare of our staff, providing them with regular updates and health advice. We are helping them to work in different ways, to reduce face-to-face contact. Where they do have to self-isolate, we will give them all the support they need.
“While the Coronavirus outbreak continues I would encourage people to stay in contact with their friends, family and neighbours, offering support where they can without risking their own health.”
