At this time, when the deadly COVID-19 pandemic has shaken all nations, the collaboration between governments and the community is essential. Every country is racing to combat and slow the spread of the virus.
Some of the main tactics implemented are testing, quarantining, and treating patients while conducting contact tracing to prevent further spreading of the virus. Limiting travel activities, cancelling meetings or other functions where many people come together are some of the measures adopted to control the pandemic.
However, such measures cannot be effective unless the administration and the community decide to work together. Notably, all county councils in the United Kingdom have taken part to help the community fight the pandemic. Herewith are some of the ways the local governments have chipped in the battle.
Support Funds
At such a time when every UK citizen is panicking and being advised to stay indoors, it’s not strange to hear that some people could be going to bed hungry. Nonetheless, local governments have come to the rescue of their citizens who direly need financial support. Although county councils are not bearing the whole burden, they are playing a significant role when it comes to coordination between voluntary groups and the community.
Closing Public Gatherings
When people are gathered in the same place, COVID-19 can rapidly spread. Although public functions generate a lot of revenue for the county councils, the administrators have taken the step of cancelling all public services such as sports and leisure facilities. Besides closing down such important amenities, the local governments have taken the initiative of educating their citizens and informing them of the reason for taking such measures.
Deploying More Staff to Essential Departments
With some government business closed, county councils have taken the opportunity to delegate new duties to their staff members whose work posts are affected. For instance, officials from affected roles are covering for other staff who are struck by the virus and forced to spend fourteen days in quarantine. Moreover, county councils have increased working staff in the essential sectors like waste disposal and recycling to maintain hygiene.
Provision of Essential Services
As people are forced to stay indoors, life can be hell if essential services are not available. As such, the county council has shown the importance of its citizens by continuing to offer basic services despite the challenges involved. Redeploying staff from the closed department is also ensuring that all needed services are timely provided.