The following statement has been issued by the Devon & Cornwall Local Resilience Forum
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A major incident has been declared in the Devon & Cornwall Local Resilience Forum (LRF) area in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, (coronavirus).
The declaration has been made to ensure that all agencies across the Devon & Cornwall Local Resilience Forum are co-ordinated and working as effectively as possible at a time of critical need in our communities.
This work has already been on-going for some time, but due to the ever changing picture and Government guidance around COVID-19, (coronavirus), it has been decided this is a proportionate step for police and partners to take.
TACC Glen Mayhew, chair of the Devon and Cornwall LRF, said: “We are facing a critical public health situation nationwide and it is vital for blue light responders and partner organisations across our communities to work together and deal with the challenges which lie ahead over the coming days and weeks.
“Declaring this a major incident means we can put in place well-rehearsed structures and mechanisms for multi-agency working. Resilience plans already exist to help us protect and enable us to support our communities in the best way possible – keeping them informed and able to function.
“This has not been caused by a rise in cases of COVID-19, (coronavirus), in our region or because demand has meant agencies are unable to cope – it is a supportive measure to give strength to all agencies and partners and ensure we can assist each other at a time when we are all likely to see an effect on staffing and our respective agency’s resilience.”
Mr Mayhew added: “The public should not be alarmed, but continue to follow guidance from Public Health England and the Government around measures to reduce risk associated with COVID-19, (coronavirus), access to critical health services, social distancing and self-isolation.
“Whether it be police officers, those working in social care or some of the many hundreds of volunteers in our communities, we need to do our absolute utmost to protect and help the elderly and most vulnerable people in our communities.
“We know there are many strong and resilient communities across the peninsula and Isles of Scilly. It is now, at this time of most need, that we must come together as a partnership and support our communities as one.”