Rutland County Council Leader Oliver Hemsley has written to every household in Rutland to share details of the help and support on offer to individuals, families and businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The letter contains information about Rutland's growing network of Council-backed good neighbour schemes – offering assistance and practical support to people who are self-isolating – as well as providing contact details for the Council's own social care services, for people who may be finding it difficult to care themselves or their family.

Rutland County Council is also preparing to provide direct support to anyone who needs help to get food, medicines or other essentials as a consequence of the government's new shielding guidance for those who are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Anyone who is struggling financially because of the impact of COVID-19 is advised to seek assistance through Rutland's Council Tax Support Scheme or local crisis fund.

The Council has also compiled a guide to government support for businesses and employers who are worried about the economic impact of COVID-19.

If you are worried that you may have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature or continuous cough), please do not go to your local GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Instead, you should self-isolate and visit NHS 111 Online. No one should be visiting their local GP unless they have already spoken to the surgery.

Lastly, all Rutland residents are advised to be on the lookout for scams linked to the spread of COVID-19, such as fake door-to-door testing, rogue traders and emails seeking to obtain bank details.