OFFICIALS at Clackmannanshire Council has issued an update on the future of services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the area.

The council warns that this is "an unprecedented time for everyone" with a focus now on essential provisions throughout the county.

The statement read: "Like councils throughout the country, we have been working on plans to continue to deliver services as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.  National estimates suggest we could see absences of at least 50 per cent over the months ahead which will put pressure on our already stretched resources.

"We are closely following government and NHS advice and, as a result, currently over 20 per cent of our staff are off work either due to Covid-19-related symptoms or are having to self-isolate because they are in a high-risk category, general illness or because they have caring responsibilities and are unable to come into work.

"The recent decision to close schools after Friday, March 20, is also likely to have a huge impact, but we have been developing a number of options that will assist us in managing this situation.

"All these factors are already having a significant impact on the council’s and our partners’ capacity to carry out our core functions. Our plans are now focusing on moving all our available staff and resources to provide essential services for our most vulnerable residents who are our main priority. In doing this, we are concentrating on our statutory duties under the Civil Contingencies Act, and we are working with all our resilience partners to deliver this.

"Now that we are making this change, business as usual is no longer possible, and we will be moving to deliver urgent services only which directly involve the most vulnerable in our community. 

"We will provide more information to our residents as our plans are finalised. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and we are grateful for your understanding and patience while we make these necessary changes to the services we provide.

"Residents should continue to check our dedicated webpage to keep up to date with developments www.clacks.gov.uk/social/coronaviruslatest

"Locally, we know that we have many voluntary groups who are already working in our communities and want to help others cope in these uncertain times.  We are already coordinating efforts with many local groups, and further national guidance is expected on this to help local people.

"It is vital that we all follow the most recent government and NHS advice, to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. This is available from NHS Inform www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

"Clackmannanshire has always had strong and resilient communities and, as a council, we are doing our very best to support our residents. We are grateful for everyone’s help, understanding and patience which will make sure we get through this difficult situation together."