Coronavirus: "We are in the best position we can be to respond to this disease," says Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore

She addressed residents via webcast of a cabinet meeting in the Town Hall, where she was one of only four cabinet members able to be present due to government guidance on social distancing.

Opening the meeting, Ms Dore said: "I know this is a period of great fear and uncertainty for people across our city, and I want to reassure you of all the measures that are being taken by Sheffield City Council to ensure we protect people and keep the city functioning as well as we can over the coming weeks and months.

“First and foremost, we lead the public health work in the city. I would like to extend my personal thanks to council and NHS staff for all the work they have been doing to keep people across the city as safe as possible. Their hard work and dedication means we are now in the best position we can be to respond to this disease.

“We recognise the situation is moving very quickly and that the national guidance will continue to change and evolve over time. We have an important role to play in supporting colleagues and partners across the voluntary, community and business sectors through the changes, working together to keep the city functioning for the benefit of the people who live, work and learn here.

“As and when we have to make any changes to other services, to enable us to focus resources where they are needed most, we will communicate clearly with you in advance about this.

“We are here to support and care for you through this, and I know you will support and care for each other.

“This is an unprecedented situation in our city’s history, and at this stage it would be irresponsible of me to suggest I know how this will play out for us.

"What I do know, though, is that Sheffield people have resilience, a sense of community and just the right combination of the kindness and practicality that will get us through the challenges ahead in the best shape we can be.”

Four key areas of response were announced too, these were: keeping vital services running, even if they need to be delivered in different ways; prioritising the most vulnerable; ensuring no council tenant loses their home because of the virus; working with businesses to help companies access government support, and encouraging and supporting community spirit as well as working with the voluntary sector.

Covid-19 has already killed more than 100 people in the UK at the time of writing.

The government is set to announce new legislation today to clarify how local authorities will operate during the crisis.