Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) have announced a range of new measures they are taking aimed at slowing the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the borough.

After central government advised strict social distancing and the avoidance of communal spaces and unnecessary travel this week, EEBC said they had decided to take new measures line with the latest advice.

On Tuesday (March 17), a spokesperson listed the new measures aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 among residents in the borough in a statement posted to the council website:

"(We are) intensifying cleaning regimes at all council buildings and venues.

"We have temporarily moved the Town Hall reception to the old cash office / Post Office are in Civic Street.

"We have provided Surrey wide advice on our website regarding disposing of personal waste by those who are self-isolating," the statement read.

In addition, the Community and Wellbeing Centre will temporarily close from this Friday, March 20 for clients and the public.

EEBC said their support of vulnerable people in Epsom and Ewell, especially those who rely on services impacted by the new measures, would continue:

In that regard, the council said:

"We will continue to support the vulnerable members of our community through our Meals at Home, Transport from Home, community alarm and shopping services.

"We are increasing the capacity of our Meals at Home service, acknowledging that there may be many more residents who will want to use this service

"We are Increasing our capacity to supply community alarms for vulnerable residents living independently

"We have increased our arrangements with local retailers to be able to be able to provide shopping for vulnerable residents

"We have increased the interior cleaning of our Transport from Home and Meals at Home services and parking payment machines."

Unlike in other areas, EEBC said that leisure spaces including Bourne Hall and Ewell Court House would not immediately close, despite government advice warning residents to avoid these types of venues to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

However, the council said it was "actively considering the suspension of activities" regarding those venues.

Epsom Playhouse meanwhile announced on Wednesday afternoon it would close indefinitely. 

"Following recent government recommendations we feel closing is the safest option for our patrons, performers, promotors and staff," a spokesperson said.

A number of borough events including the Borough Bike, due to take place on 10 May, has been rescheduled, while special support and cleaning measures for EEBC staff are now in place, EEBC said.