Coronavirus (COVID-19): Joint Council Leaders Statement

Date: 
Friday, 10 April, 2020

Image of joint leaders
The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting every aspect of Council service delivery and is the most challenging circumstance faced by any organisation in a generation.  Joint Council Leaders of East Dunbartonshire, Andrew Polson and Vaughan Moody, have issued a message to the whole workforce, recognising their efforts at this challenging time, and are reminding the community of the support that is available to help them to stay safe and well.

Councillor Andrew Polson said, “As Joint Leaders of the Council, we wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to each and every one of our workforce for all that they are doing to keep vital services delivered to our communities and to keep the Council functioning in these unprecedented times. 

“We understand the wide ranging challenges they face, from those on the frontline, those having to work from home, and those that are now undertaking different roles to those they carried out before coronavirus impacted every aspect of Council service delivery.

“Their health, safety and wellbeing is paramount and we wanted to ensure that they knew their efforts were recognised and hugely appreciated and that as employers we are ensuring that the appropriate and most up to date guidance in relation to health and safety and PPE is being followed.” 

Reflecting on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the East Dunbartonshire community, Councillor Vaughan Moody added, 

“Coronavirus has impacted on every aspect of our personal and working lives, including affecting the Council services we are able to continue to deliver.  It is critical that we all observe the current ‘stay at home’ measures to control and manage the spread of coronavirus, save lives and protect the NHS, including avoiding all unessential travel.

“We appreciate the understanding and support from our communities as the delivery of our Council services has had to change.  Our absolute priority is the continued delivery of critical frontline services to our most vulnerable.  We are also hugely appreciative of the fantastic response for voluntary and community groups supporting activities in the community.”

“We have a published a range of community support information and guidance on our Council website, including a Helpline in place for those in our communities who are shielding or who are isolated as a result of the stay at home requirements.  We would encourage all residents to visit our website for information and advice on staying well and getting help in these challenging times.”

A dedicated Community Support webpage has been published.

The Council website contains a wide range of information in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).  The main Covid-19 webpage.

has information on service impacts and links to a range of further pages such as community support, shielding, waste and schools.