Copeland Council has introduced a series of measures to help delay the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

The council’s precautionary measures take immediate effect and are in line with Government advice and actions taken by other local authorities.

The council is running all services as normal, but is reflecting current concerns by encouraging members of the public to avoid visits to its offices at Market Hall, Whitehaven, and St George’s Road, Millom, wherever possible.

Residents are instead asked to telephone 01946 598300 or email info@copeland.gov.uk with non-essential queries. Information can also be found on the council’s website and social media pages.

The council has also introduced a number of internal changes to help protect its workforce and councillors, and has postponed a small number of public events; the Mother’s Day Memorial Service at Distington Hall Crematorium (Wednesday, March 18), and a conservation area drop-in session at Millom Library (Tuesday, March 17).

The garden waste collection service that was due to re-start on Monday, March 16 has also been postponed.

Pat Graham, chief executive of Copeland Council, said: “We run a number of key statutory services for our residents and we’d like to reassure the public that we have contingency plans in place to ensure that these will continue.

“In addition, we are taking a controlled and measured approach in order to delay the spread of Covid-19 in our community and workforce.

“We are reviewing all our non-essential events and services and asking ourselves if they need to take place. We’ve introduced some internal changes to our meetings and processes, and we’re asking the community to restrict their contact with our staff and councillors where possible.

“This is a developing situation that is under constant review at the council, and we will keep the public fully informed.

“We’d like to thank the Copeland community for their support and understanding.”