Cumbria County Council says its main public buildings will remain open and their highways team continue to operate a 'business as usual approach' despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Bosses say main public buildings, including Cumbria House on Botchergate in Carlisle, will remain open for the time being.

Household waste and recycling centres are also currently operating to normal opening hours, a spokesman confirmed.

Contingency plans, including adjustment to working patterns, are in place behind the scenes to ensure that the highways department can provide a continuous service throughout the pandemic timeline.

The council is supporting staff to work from home where possible and providing guidance on how to do so, as well as keeping the number of face-to-face meetings to a minimum by utilising online platforms such as Skype.

Following the latest guidance from the Government and Public Health England, the council has taken the decision to suspend all member committee meetings and associated working groups until the end of this week.

It is now reviewing all other council meetings that are planned over the next six weeks and will make a decision about those meetings and future arrangements before the end of the week.

Meanwhile, figures show that use of the council libraries’ BorrowBox and online services is increasing as people prepare to self-isolate.

Cumbria Libraries have a range of online resources, including eBooks, audio books and digital magazines.