Updates issued on Calderdale Council services - what are running and what have been stopped

Everyone must stay at home, except for essential reasons such as food shopping, exercise within the local area and medical appointments.

As such, further Council service updates have been issued in line with government guidance.

Colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools are now closed except for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.

All other children will learn remotely until February half term. The Council is working closely with all schools to determine additional need and supporting remote learning.

Waste collections in Calderdale are currently continuing as normal. The Council is closely monitoring the situation and will keep residents updated with any changes. T

he Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) will also remain open. For the safety of all users and staff, the Council has said to only use the HWRCs if it is essential and the waste cannot be safely stored.

In line with government guidelines, Halifax Central Library and other hub libraries (check website for details) will remain open for click and collect service and to provide access to IT and digital services for people who do not have it at home. The library home delivery service will also continue.

Council-run markets remain open for market stalls selling essential retail. Extra hand sanitising facilities have been made available in all Council markets.

All leisure facilities and outdoor/green gyms must close. Parks and playground areas will remain open for the one period of exercise people can take each day, but users are reminded to stick to social distancing guidelines and limit the use of playground equipment.

Council staff will continue to work from home wherever possible. Over 1,200 Council staff are working from home, and this is set to continue in the long-term.

The Council’s Register Office will remain open for birth registrations and notice appointments, with deaths registrations continuing over the phone.

In accordance with the guidance, weddings should only take place in exceptional circumstances and therefore existing bookings have been postponed. There are no further changes to the existing restrictions on attendees for burials or cremations.

Those classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are advised to following shielding advice. The Council and its voluntary and community sector partner organisations will continue to help residents who are most at risk, as they have done since the pandemic began.

Non-essential shops will close but can continue to operate a click and collect service. Hospitality venues will remain closed but may still provide a takeaway service for food.