BRADFORD Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, says people can make a difference during the coronavirus crisis.

In a statement, the leader gave key advice to Bradford residents, adding we all have to quickly get used to 'the new normal' of closed pubs, bars and other leisure facilities as we stay socially isolated at home.

She said council staff are rising to the challenge during the pandemic.

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She also outlined what the council are doing to check on old and vulnerable residents and also discussed the new 'People Can volunteering network.

The new service, run via the 01274 431000 phone line, has already recruited 150 volunteers from across the district.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "It’s been quite a week.

"The Government has made new announcements every day and quickly we have all had to adjust to services reducing or stopping altogether.

"At the same time we’ve initiated new ones specifically to support residents and businesses to get through these challenging times.

"The speed of change has been difficult for people to adapt to, yet it is vital that we all take measures to prevent the virus from spreading.

"Do frequent handwashing, maintain physical distancing and work from home if you are able."

Cllr Hinchcliffe added the part the district's schools will play on then ongoing pandemic.

She said: "From Monday our schools will be playing an important role providing childcare for key workers who are keeping Bradford Council running.

"Schools have been great at stepping up to the plate and offering to help and I want to thank them for their support for our community."

"Kind people will always go that extra mile to help each other in times of need.

"People can make a difference. Thank you particularly to all those people who are still giving to the food banks, they need more.

"Council teams are also rising to the challenge. Our warden service is now switching from their usual work to checking on vulnerable people who might need help and support.

"Our Adult Social Care team are ditching annual leave they had planned and some part-time workers are now working full-time to share the load. It’s a supreme effort."

Cllr Hinchcliffe also acknowledged the impact the coronavirus will have on a special occasion this weekend.

She added: “Mother’s Day this weekend will sadly really expose the impact coronavirus is having on family life. Self-isolation and the desire not to share space in order to protect others from the virus means so many people will find themselves separated on an occasion that usually provides an opportunity to enjoy family time together.

“This year we’re going to have to find creative ways to connect and celebrate the role mums play as the glue for our families and often our wider communities.

“Many people are feeling very isolated in their own homes at the moment. I’d urge everyone to be a caring citizen and check on their neighbours at this time perhaps by putting a note through the door. They might need a hand with their shopping or their bins, or just be glad to hear a friendly voice with a phone call."

Cllr Hinchcliffe also ended her statement with a defiant statement. She said: "The coming weeks require us to take care of ourselves and more importantly be considerate of each other. We will all work through this."