COMMUNITIES across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being asked to keep up the good work in stopping the spread of Covid-19.

Agencies tasked with stopping the virus in its tracks have written an open letter to everyone in the two counties urging them to keep following restrictions and explaining that lives are being saved because people are simply staying at home.

Local authorities, including West Devon Borough Council, NHS services, police, fire, utilities and voluntary and community sector organisations, under the banner of the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), are speaking with one voice to say, ‘don’t let down your guard just yet’.

Assistant chief constable Glen Mayhew, who chairs the LRF, said: ‘I know the restrictions are hard on everyone but I have been really pleased with the public’s response so far and I thank them for that.

‘The tactics are working. I know that people are getting frustrated and tired of the restrictions but it’s not the right time to relax them just yet.

‘We must persevere so that we can protect the NHS, contain and delay the spread of the virus, and save lives

‘Members of the LRF are working tirelessly to deliver essential services and support the most vulnerable and everyone is working together to help. Just last week we saw a concerted joint effort to quickly distribute personal protective equipment across the two counties after a large delivery arrived in Exeter at short notice.

‘Anyone can catch the virus — anyone can spread the virus, so, by reducing contact it will help slow the spread. It is that simple.’