Coronavirus: Full list of Portsmouth City Council services affected by Covid-19

COUNCIL services in Portsmouth will be stripped back to the 'essentials' amid the coronavirus pandemic with schools, community centres, libraries and museums closed for the foreseeable future.
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In a bid to bolster some of Portsmouth's more critical departments as well as reduce the risk of infection many services and events have been scrapped.

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Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said: 'We understand that many residents will have concerns, especially those who are living alone.

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'We're doing everything we can to maintain our essential services during this difficult period and to provide additional support to those who need it. The situation is changing quickly but we're doing our utmost to keep residents informed.

'We urge everyone to follow the latest government advice and check the council website for the latest local advice.'

Here is a complete list of how council services have been affected as of today (March 23).

- Adult social care services are running as usual although the council has issued guidance on visiting care homes, which can be found on its website.

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- Advice Portsmouth is closed to walk-ins but residents can ring or text 07789 550593 to arrange to speak with someone.

- The Carers Centre in Southsea is closed to the public. The teams are still working but residents can contact them on 023 9285 1864 between 8am and 4pm.

- Civic offices in Guildhall Square are closed.

- The following community centres are closed: Anchorage Park, Paulsgrove, Hillside & Wymering, Cosham, Somers Town and Charles Dickens.

- Council tax can be paid online or over the phone on 0800 876 6576

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- Dog kennels are closed. If you find a stray dog call 023 9268 8181.

- All events are cancelled or postponed. Event applications aren't being processed.

- The following family hubs are closed: Milton, Somers Town, Buckland, Landport, Northern Parade, Paulsgrove, 4U Youth Group.

- Fostering recruitment events and drop-in sessions are now suspended until further notice.

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- Garden services are suspended and cleaning services will operate a priority service.

- A reduced home to transport service is in operation. The service is continuously being monitored and parents are being notified of cancellations

- Portsea housing office is closed but all other housing offices remain open and will run a reduced service for customers to pay rent, report emergency repair and report serious housing issues. Housing appointments can be arranged over phone.

- All face-to-face activities and groups offered by the independence and wellbeing team have been suspended.

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- The Learning Place in North End and Employment and Skills at PCMI, Cosham, are closed.

- The licensing office is closed to the public but can be contacted on 023 9283 4073.

- All museums and libraries are closed.

- Pest control services have been suspended.

- Play and youth services are closed.

- Portsmouth International Port: there are temporary changes to sailing schedules, with passenger services suspended. Brittany Ferries is running freight services to France and Spain, and Condor Ferries is running freight services to the Channel Islands. Portico is continuing to manage tonnes of fresh produce from across the world for supermarkets.

- Public health services will continue over the phone: Portsmouth Wellbeing Service - 023 9229 4001, Drug and Alcohol Support Service - 07951 497898 or 07557 753131, Recovery Hub - 023 9229 4573, and Family Support Project - 0800 138 0355 or 07584 563004.

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- Rubbish and recycling remain unaffected. Bulky collections have been suspended, but residents can still take bulky items to the household waste and recycling centre where they are free to dispose of.

- Schools closed except for children of key workers.

- The Hard information point is closed.

- Young Carers is closed.

To keep updated on council services visit the coronavirus information page.

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