The escalating coronavirus epidemic has understandably left many residents worried about their own health and those of loved ones.

The speed at which the public health emergency is developing has had a big impact on driving people’s fears and if you have made a trip to your local supermarket recently you will have seen how the virus has sparked panic buying.

The hardest thing to do in times of crisis is to remain calm, but that is exactly what we must do now. The Government is taking its lead from the country’s top scientists and it is imperative we follow their expert advice in order to minimise the effects of this pandemic and protect those closest to us, as well as those vulnerable members of our communities.

As a council with a workforce of 2,700 staff, we will inevitably be affected by this rapidly-spreading virus but, at the same time, there are services we simply have to deliver for those people who need them most, not to mention the essential services most residents rely on every day.

In line with the Government’s advice, we will utilise home working for those who can while keeping other teams running within the organisation.

It is though, likely to be a changing picture, so I would encourage readers of the Advertiser to keep an eye on updates within the newspaper and the Council’s website and social media channels for any potential disruption to services.

Earlier this week it was agreed that, in line with the Government’s social distancing advice, we would only hold council meetings that are required and to ensure democracy is not undermined. This is so that we minimise the risk of coronavirus to councillors, staff and the public.

Next week’s cabinet meeting will go ahead as planned as will the following scrutiny meeting. We will also keep our planning and licensing committee meetings as it is important we do not disrupt business outside the council.

Our business and economy team is also working closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership to provide up-to-date information and advice for Swindon businesses following the Government’s offer of financial help to those firms affected by the spread of the virus.

The Chancellor pledged hundreds of billions of pounds in support to businesses who are struggling and we, as a council, will be doing all we can to facilitate that support.

One of the measures announced on Tuesday, was a 12-month business rate holiday for firms in the retail, leisure and hospitality industry and I can confirm that eligible Swindon businesses will see that zero tax relief in their bills from next month.

The council and its business support partners are working with government departments to ensure that businesses have accurate information and the most efficient methods of accessing any support for which they are eligible.

As soon as this information is available it will be posted on the council’s website but we will announce any updates as soon as we can.