Hertsmere Borough Council says it is ready for challenges in the coming weeks as it prepares to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

Hertfordshire has some of the highest numbers of positive cases in the country identified by Public Health England.

As of 9am on Sunday, there were 32 cases, including in Watford, London Colney, Letchmore Heath, Stevenage, and Harpenden.

So far, one patient has died - a man in his 80s who was a member of the congregation at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Letchmore Heath.

In Hertsmere, council managing director Sajida Bijle says they are asking the public to avoid visiting the council offices in Borehamwood if possible.

She added: "We’ve been working hard to make sure that we can adapt to the changing position and continue to deliver critical services during what will be a very challenging time. We are also in close contact with our leisure provider, InspireAll, around the continued delivery of our leisure services.

"We continue to urge our residents and our staff to keep up to date with government advice around best hygiene practices and to follow any other guidance that is issued from key agencies such as Public Health England and the NHS.

"We are reviewing our programme of public events and meetings in the coming weeks to see what adjustments might be required and will provide further information once decisions have been taken.

"We have also increased cleaning regimes at our offices, but would ask our customers to consider alternative ways of contacting or staying in touch with us at this time.”"

Council leader Morris Bright added: "At the present time, we are continuing to operate across all service areas. Staff are also making sure we’re as ready as we can be for the challenges we’ll face in the coming weeks.

"Our number one priority is the safety of our customers and our staff."

The council can be contacted on 02082072277, by emailing customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk or visiting www.hertsmere.gov.uk