Swale's top politician has said "we are still a long way from winning this battle" in a statement to residents.

In the message to people in Sittingbourne, Faversham and on Sheppey, council leader Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab) added thanks for officers for "working tirelessly" amid the coronavirus outbreak.

He also heaped praise on volunteers who were working in the community.

Swale was charged with setting up hubs to help coordinate help vulnerable people who have been told not to go out for 12 weeks by the government.

It comes as the Labour chief warned residents in an update last month, the council is expecting "a financial hit of serious proportions" due to the outbreak.

Cllr Truelove added: "This has often been hectic and demanding and I want to repeat my thanks to our staff who have worked tirelessly over the past month.

"I also want to pay tribute to the many volunteers in the community who are helping us to meet these challenges.

"I would also like to thank my fellow councillors from all parties who are working with their local communities and coming together as a council."

He added that work is still underway to control the "increasing" level of people applying for emergency housing, setting up community hubs and ensuring waste collections continue.

About 2,600 businesses have been contacted to help them apply for grants of up to £25,000.

Cash was also given to Citizens Advice Swale and foodbanks in the borough to help them weather the storm.

"I know I speak for most of us when I offer my appreciation for the dedication of those working on the front line," he added.

"Our health and social care workers, those who are working so hard in our supermarkets, delivery drivers, manufacturers, the list goes on.

"It is devastating when we hear stories of these good people being abused, through misunderstanding, ignorance or just plain jealousy."

"If we continue to do what we must, and remember why we are doing this – to stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives – we will, to quote The Queen, 'meet again'.”

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