'The coronavirus doesn't discriminate' - Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery promises council will protect vulnerable residents

Denise Jeffery, who took over as council leader at the end of last year following Peter Box's departure, urged residents to do their bit to help their communities, and said the council would do their "utmost" to protect vulnerable residents.

It comes as the NHS confirmed that two patients with underlying health conditions had died from the virus in the district.

Coun Jeffery said: "We are in unprecedented times as the spread of the coronavirus is testing communities across the world.

“Firstly, please let me assure you that Wakefield Council will do all we can to deliver our services and support you, your families and our communities

“You will know that we are facing a rapidly changing situation and decisions need to be taken quickly based on the latest Government advice and direction.

"My Council and I are acutely aware that every decision we take in relation to our services will have an impact on our residents and we will do everything possible to minimise the impact on you, whilst ensuring we protect the health and safety of everyone in the district.

“You have our promise that we will do our utmost to protect our most vulnerable residents and our pledge is to keep providing the best possible services for you, where we can."

A number of community projects have already been launched in the district, including shop owners offering free deliveries to those in need and free pizza for NHS workers in Pontefract and Castleford.

Some supermarkets have also confirmed that they will reserve early morning shopping periods for the elderly and vulnerable.

However, there have been warnings that bus and train timetables may be adjusted as passenger levels fall.

Coun Jeffery added: "We have been planning for some time how we can meet the challenges of this pandemic and like every organisation we are already being affected by staff absences and we will not be immune to this increasing and or compromised by other issues. At some point we may need to prioritise our resources where they are needed the most.

“We also have to take account of the direction given by Government to delay the spread of the coronavirus and yesterday’s announcement will have an impact on many of our services, so please bear with us. We will try and ensure you are kept informed of any changes but you have my assurance that we will do everything we can to keep essential things going."

“The district has faced many issues over the years and during times of great challenge the community spirit and resilience that has been shown is tremendous. I urge all residents now to show this spirit, help look after our communities and pull together.

"The coronavirus doesn’t discriminate. We are all in this together and part of the resilience we must show is to be caring and considerate for everyone.

“There has already been an incredible response across many communities in our district, with new and established groups mobilising support for those who need it. It is heart-warming to see such a lovely response in our local communities. We will of course also support you all where we can. We need to continue to work together and support each other.

“With many people in the district being urged by the Government to ‘stay at home’ we all need to do our bit to help those in need. There are many small acts of kindness we can all do to help our friends, family and neighbours.

"Please check in on those who might be vulnerable, lonely or need a bit of support. It can make a real difference to people living alone who may be worried in these uncertain times. Any support you can offer, no matter how small, could make a real difference to those in need.

“On behalf of everyone at Wakefield Council I send you our love and best wishes. We sincerely thank you for your support, patience, understanding and most importantly for your community spirit.”