THE Isle of Anglesey County Council has taken immediate action to balance the protection of staff and ensure that only critical services are maintained as a further response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This decision has been taken to safeguard staff, maintain delivery of our essential services and provide support to our communities and businesses.

Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Annwen Morgan said: “These are unprecedented times and the County Council is facing numerous challenges as our dedicated staff strive to carry on delivering essential services to the people of Anglesey. However, it is clear that we will not be able to provide all of our services in the same way and I would ask residents to bear with us.

“Our focus remains on maintaining essential services whilst protecting staff. We are working closely with colleagues in Welsh Government, North Wales Police and Health Services, as well as voluntary and third sector partners, and our local communities, to support the most vulnerable.”

As the threat of Coronavirus continues, the County Council will focus on providing these essential services:

• Telephone response teams

• Waste/recycling services

• Environmental/public protection

• Registrars

• Schools acting as emergency care centres

• Business engagement and financial support

• Residential and domiciliary care and other essential social care services

• Homelessness and urgent housing repairs

• Payroll / Banking/ Benefits/ Bills

• Emergency planning

• Highway maintenance/ emergencies

• Local supply services (to the vulnerable) – foodbanks etc.

Council staff who are able to work from home have been asked to do so from now. Those staff who are key workers undertaking duties such as home visits and site visits will do so only if essential.

The County Council has also taken additional measures during the COVID-19 outbreak to redeploy staff in line with its emergency procedure. This has allowed the County Council to re-deploy is staff from services currently not in operation to provide assistance where needed. Further staff redeployments will take place to reinforce front line essential services as the local situation and demands develop.

Annwen Morgan added, “We have set up an emergency response team to coordinate activities as the situation is constantly changing. We are working to respond as quickly as possible to new national guidance or local demand.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people, communities, charities and businesses of Anglesey. We are grateful for how understanding you have all been during this difficult time and appreciate all you have done so to help and support to those in need who are in isolation or vulnerable. Your help is invaluable and sincerely appreciated.”

For the latest information on services during the Coronavirus outbreak, visit www.anglesey.gov.uk/coronavirus