Statement on Coronavirus crisis from Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

16 Mar 2020

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“When faced with difficult times, it is important that we set aside party political and other differences and work together to ensure we effectively respond to this unprecedented challenge.

“The Combined Authority is working together with organisations from across our city region – businesses, charities, local authorities and voluntary organisations – to help understand the needs of our communities and shape our response as the situation develops.

“In the meantime, I would urge everybody to take the necessary steps to safeguard themselves and others by regularly washing your hands, only buying what your household needs in shops and taking action to quarantine yourself should you display any symptoms.

“We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that our services are well-prepared and will provide updates as things change.

“I will continue to work with Merseyside Resilience Forum, which draws together partners from the emergency services, local councils, Public Health England and a host of other key organisations. I am also keen to work with colleagues in neighbouring Cheshire to ensure that there is an effective joined-up approach across our entire region.

“I will also be lobbying government to provide whatever support our public services tell us that they need to help manage things locally.

“Our region is famed for its community spirit, its kindness and generosity, and its collective solidarity. As we coordinate our response to COVID-19, those values will be needed.

“Right now our priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our residents – but we can’t do that without your help.”

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