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Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced a raft of measures to support businesses, volunteers and rough sleepers through the coronavirus outbreak.
Around-the-clock hotlines and websites will be set up as the combined authority takes on the ‘complex challenge’ of combating the spread of the disease while alleviating its effect on the economy and communities.
Efforts will be made to coordinate volunteers who are already helping elderly and vulnerable people get vital supplies like food and medicine, while the fire service will conduct ‘safe and well’ checks over the phone.
More buildings will also be opened up to serve as temporary accommodation for those sleeping rough who need to self-isolate.
Speaking at a mayoral press conference Mr Burnham urged residents across the region ‘not to worry’, adding: “The cavalry is over the hill and we’re getting ready to come forward.
“People who are worried about how things will play out over the coming week, I want to reassure them that we are pooling our resources and our efforts, and we’re putting the best support systems in place to help our residents through this difficult time.”
The first of these support systems is focused on helping businesses after chancellor Rishi Sunak promised a £350bn emergency package to prevent firms going bust.
An advice page on Business Growth Hub has compiled resources and guidance to ensure businesses have what they need to act quickly as the coronavirus situation unfolds.
“We are soon to add a 24-hour hotline to support this website, we intend to keep improving it and extending it as things develop,” said Mr Burnham.
“We want to make businesses big and small aware of this service and the advice being provided.”
Another website will provide a platform to help coordinate volunteering efforts to support residents who may need help, while also signposting the latest government guidance.
It is hoped that volunteers will work with local authorities which are compiling lists of their most vulnerable residents.
Mr Burnham said: “This is a complex challenge and we are not yet at the point where it’s all resolved.
“We recognise the capacity of our councils and they need extra support for providing the basics to people in their community, like food, medicine, care – a whole range of things.”
Firefighters will be asked to conduct ‘safe and well’ checks over the phone instead of making home visits under plans agreed ‘in principle’ with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Where possible, staff will also be asked to help councils take calls from those seeking support. A similar offer made by Royal Mail workers has also been welcomed by regional leaders.
Mr Burnham also gave an update on what was being done to help rough sleepers who may show symptoms of coronavirus.
He said: “We’re in the process of opening more facilities for people sleeping rough, particular single room provision, to self isolate should they need to do so.”
