Council has “robust contingency plans” for coronavirus

“Robust contingency plans” are in place in case of an outbreak of coronavirus in Monmouthshire, a council boss has said.

But the authority’s head of adult services has said she is “not worried yet” and the virus continues to spread.

There have been six confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales, including one in Newport, but none of these are in Monmouthshire

Speaking in a meeting of Monmouthshire County Council’s Adults Select Committee today, Tuesday, Cllr Ruth Edwards asked head of adult services Eve Parkinson whether the authority was equipped to deal with a potential outbreak of the disease, given the number of elderly people living in rural locations across the county.

“We have got a big hill to climb with the virus looming, which will peak later on,” she said. “The weather has put a great deal of strain, especially on the farmers, many of whom live in isolation on their own, and mental health then becomes quite an issue for them.

“I am wondering, have you got enough staff now because more pressure will be on you to take care of the elderly?

“With the virus, they won’t be able to get about. People might pull back from visiting them.

“So are we adequately prepared with the rurality of this county?

“God forbid we have any flooding or any heavy snow.

“People will be worrying anyway about how they’re going to get supplies- do they need medicines?”

But Ms Parkinson said contingency plans were in place, with issues such as how to support those diagnosed with the virus and how to cope if a large portion of the council’s workforce is forced to take sick leave among those considered.

Ms Parkinson said: “We have really robust contingency plans.

“We would also hook up with our other colleagues so for example, in the flooding and the snow we worked very collaboratively with the district nurses.

“I am not worried yet.”

The UK is still in the delay phase of preventing the spread of the virus and there are currently no plans to close schools or postpone sports events.