THE leader of Denbighshire County Council has said council meetings have been postponed following the coronavirus outbreak.

Cllr Huw Evans said that due to the “unprecedented” situation the council is putting arrangements in place “to ensure open and transparent discussions take place” so that “the democratic process [can] continue”.

He added that staff across the board are “carrying on with day to day activities for as long as possible and planning for what will be a lengthy recovery process”.

It comes after the UK Government delay phase, which called on members of the public to limit social contact and at-risk individuals to practice social distancing for 12 weeks.

No cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed in Denbighshire, with one in Conwy, two in Wrexham and two on Anglesey, though the real number of people with the virus is expected to be higher. Cases as of Wednesday were being reported by health board.

Cllr Evans said: “The national situation with Coronavirus- COVID19 is unprecedented – and one which is posing significant challenges to us all as organisations, to communities and to our residents.

“We have known this is coming and have been putting plans in place to continue with business continuity as much as possible.”

Cllr Evans said the council is working with its partners across the board while a number of buildings and facilities remain open with limited staff.

The council has also restricted care home visits to close friends, family and practitioners, while it said it could replace non-essential face-to-face care visits with “telephone well-being checks”.

“We are playing our part in trying to reduce the spread of the virus by implementing our flexible working procedures,” Cllr Evans said.

“We have cancelled formal meetings until at least the end of April and the position will be reviewed at that point. We will be putting in place arrangements to ensure open and transparent discussions take place, for the democratic process to continue.

“This work is essential and key staff are working tirelessly to respond to the emerging situation, carrying on with day to day activities for as long as possible and planning for what will be a lengthy recovery process for our residents.”

He urged residents to “keep an eye out for each other” and check on families, relatives and neighbours who may become isolated over the coming weeks and months.

“The use of technology can play a big part,” he added.

“We would encourage you to continue to listen to any advice or information from Public Health Wales or Welsh Government.”