Coronavirus crisis in Calderldale the greatest challenge since 'the Second World War'

Calderdale Council leader Councilllor Time Swift gave an update to the situation in Calderdale at tonight's Cabinet meeting.

He also revealed that the authority has come up with a ten point plant to tackle the pandemic.

"Five weeks ago today, Cabinet met just a day after the devastating flooding caused by Storm Ciara," said Coun Swift.

"We have seen an incredible response across Calderdale to that event, but we meet tonight in the shadow of Covid-19, which will test all of us in new and unprecedented ways.

"I want to say at the outset that this is not a political statement as Leader of the Council in the usual sense.

"I do not intend to address the many debates about the right and wrongs of the current Government response at this time, though I may do so at other times.

"However, I do not accept one statement made by the Prime Minister on Thursday, which described Covid-19 as the greatest challenge of our generation.

"It is not. It is the greatest challenge this nation has faced since the Second World War, and is likely to be the greatest pandemic the world has experienced since the Spanish Flu over one hundred years ago.

"Our response will be defined by kindness and resilience, the way we work and live in Calderdale, and our commitment to a collaborative leadership of our health and care system across the borough and within the West Yorkshire Partnership.

"We are a place that has had more than its fair share of crises to handle, and a place that in a crisis acts in a calm, proportionate and determined way.

"A place that will deliver this response for weeks, months, however long it takes, whilst we ensure we care and look after our most vulnerable residents; our staff in the Council and the NHS; and all others who are ready to help us across the health and care system and beyond.

"So what does this mean in practice, and what do we intend to do in Calderdale in the context of what may be agreed by Government? Today, I am setting out our initial ten point plan, our core response at this point in time.

"We are delivering this in a rapidly changing dynamic situation and it will be continuously reviewed and updated in light of Government policy and actions. This plan will be delivered through collaborative partnership with all agencies and all sectors in Calderdale.

"Our response to Covid-19 is the number one priority for Calderdale Council from today for the foreseeable future.

"We will do all in our power to delay and then mitigate its impact on our communities and our businesses. We recognise the scale of the challenge, and that we will not always get everything right.

"But do not doubt our determination to do all we can to get through this, and ensure a positive future for our borough."