Chichester councillors 'strong advised' not to attend events amid coronavirus fears

CHICHESTER councillors and residents have been ‘strongly advised’ not to attend city council meetings or events if they are ‘feeling under the weather’ following the coronavirus outbreak.

By Steve Deeks

Published 11th Mar 2020, 17:16 BST

Updated 11th Mar 2020, 17:52 BST

A woman wearing a face mask in London. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Chichester City Council said it is following Public Health England’s guidance in a ‘fast-changing situation’ but day-to-day business is ‘unaffected’ at this stage.

In a notice on its website, the city council wrote: ‘If any individual proposing to attending a meeting/event is feeling under the weather, they are strongly advised not to attend.’

It added that its policy will be ‘based on official advice’ from the government ‘rather than upon speculation’.

A spokesman said: ‘Clearly both staff, councillors and all users of the Council House need to follow guidance about personal hygiene and, if necessary, self-isolating.

‘This could impact on operational efficiency eventually. At the moment, if any hirers wish to cancel bookings at the Council House then that is their choice, but we will not be making refunds.’

Chichester Public Health England