The leader of Leicestershire County Council has delivered a message to reassure residents as the country moves into "unprecedented times" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday, the government announced new measures designed to minimise social contact, including working from home, self-isolating for 14 days if anyone in a household has symptoms and avoiding non-essential travel and pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres.

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Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, recorded a video for people living in the county.

In it, he said: "These are unprecedented times. I understand residents may be feeling unsettled but it's important people heed the national advice.

"Life will be different for many weeks and months, which will bring challenges, but the national plans are designed to slow the spread so that lives can be saved.

"We are taking the necessary immediate and longer-term steps to support and protect residents, staff and partners. Our focus is keeping critical services running, particularly those supporting vulnerable people such as our children's and adults' services, coroners, urgent road repairs, waste disposal and public health.

"As I'm sure you understand, some events will be cancelled – so keep in touch by following the national guidance, our website and social media channels."

He also outlined the council's plans for dealing with the pandemic.

County Hall's main priority is ensuring staff can run critical services such as public health, adults, children's, regulatory services, urgent road repairs and waste disposal.

The authority's staff have been asked to work from home wherever possible and some events have been cancelled.

Meetings will also be reduced in line with guidance.