The first meeting of the cross party working group on COVID-19 in Medway met today.  The meeting covered a wide range of ongoing issues including:

• The latest statistics on the impact in Medway
• The work of the Local Resilience Forum including involvement of NHS
• The ongoing work of public transport providers, including the relaxation of the 9am start time for concessionary bus pass holders
• Offers of help from partnership agencies including potential use of buildings if needed
• Redeployment of council staff into critical services where appropriate
• Help for businesses and income security, including the need for a hardship fund in Medway
• The practical challenges with the government’s announcements regarding schools
• Ensuring the communication continues to be relevant and available to all
• Increased safeguarding against scammers at this time of community positive action

The meeting was also informed of the death of a patient at Medway Maritime Hospital, who we understand had tested positive for COVID-19 and also had underlying health problems.

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour and Co-operative Group said “On behalf of the Labour Group, I offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the person who has died. The wider Medway community has shown real and heartfelt compassion since the start of theCoVid19 crisis and I know their thoughts will all be with those impacted by this sad loss.

“I’m grateful to Cllr Jarrett, his cabinet colleagues and senior officers for a very constructive first meeting of the cross party working group.

“It’s clear that Medway Council and its partners are working hard to ensure the greatest level of protection for Medway residents at this most challenging of times. The discussion today focused on a wide range of issues, a number of which have come directly from residents’ concerns raised with Labour Councillors. I look forward to the future meetings of this cross party group.

“I would encourage all Medway residents to continue to look at the council’s dedicated webpage www.medway.gov.uk/coronavirus for the very latest information on how we can all work together to beat this virus.”

Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Labour and Co-operative Group added “I was very encouraged by the willingness of all participants to be open minded about how to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and pay tribute to Medway Council staff and all of those in public service and partnership agencies who are working together to comply with government guidance and come up with innovative ideas.

“We want to send a message to the community that Labour Councillors are willing to do anything that will make the job of managing this crisis easier including direct support to front line services.”