Here's the latest Argus column by Newport City Council leader Cllr Jane Mudd:

IN MARCH, my column praised the efforts of council staff and other public sector partners in responding to the storms that had battered the country.

Today we are facing a far bigger challenge that is taking such a terrible toll on lives around the world, and is likely to go on having an impact on everyone for some considerable time.

I make no apology for reiterating my gratitude to all those involved in dealing with the outbreak of Covid-19, especially the medical staff and carers on the frontline and other emergency services.

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But there are many others who deserve our thanks – teachers who are providing childcare for key workers; pharmacies providing essential medication; delivery drivers and shop workers keeping stores supplied, and public transport drivers taking vital staff to work.

Our partner organisations, the third sector and volunteers helping the vulnerable in our communities and, of course, council staff continuing to deliver much needed services. There are many more out there making significant contributions and I salute them all.

As a council, we have had to make decisions about what services we are able to provide at a time when our staffing resources are reduced because of the effects of coronavirus.

Those decisions sometimes have to be made very quickly, without much notice, on the back of government announcements. Wherever possible, staff are getting arrangements in place as quickly as possible to cope with fast-changing and difficult situations.

Some of those decisions will be unpopular, but I know that the majority of you understand and appreciate that everyone is doing their best.

I’ve been heartened by the very positive feedback we are getting from residents. Lovely comments have flooded in for the waste and recycling collection crews who are out on the streets every day. This is just one example of how workers from the council, and our partners, are still doing their jobs under the most trying of circumstances.

I am also pleased that the majority of people appear to have taken on board the very important messages about staying home and staying safe. The video last week by Dr Sarah Aitken, of Aneurin Bevan University Heath Board, was very sobering and I urge those who haven’t seen it to seek it out.

Finally, my wish is for residents to stay safe and well, so please continue to follow the government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation. I very much hope that by the time of my next column we will see a light at the end of the tunnel but that does depend on us all playing our part in overcoming this outbreak. Please stay home and save lives.