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Never in my time as Leader of this council have I had to write a more important message.
Message from council leader
A message from Cllr Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic:
The Prime Minister’s announcement, last night, has moved things onto a much more serious footing and I must reinforce the crucial message to stay safe, stay home, save lives.
Stay safe
Taking this advice on board we’ve decided to temporarily suspend face-to-face contact and shut our reception points across all council service areas until further notice. All services will still be available to residents online or over the phone.
Many in our communities must go out to work, keeping essential services running … our NHS workers and emergency services and key workers. Many of them our own council staff.
Stay home
But those of us who DON’T have to work please, please observe the new government directive:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Save lives
Make no mistake, we are facing the biggest challenge of our times. Coronavirus is a killer and unless we stay home half a million people will die.
We are updating our website daily www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk and have introduced a Community Helpline – 01992 564088 – for elderly and vulnerable residents who are not comfortable with accessing social media or the Internet.
Working together with our communities and partners we will get through this … and life will eventually return to normal.
Cllr Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council.
Stay Safe … Stay Home … Save Lives
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