THE Mayor of Ringwood is reminding residents across the town that any urgent medical needs will be dealt with.

This comes as people across the UK were instructed to stay at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, unless for essential reasons.

But mayor of Ringwood Town Council and Councillor Tony Ring tells residents that a triage system is being employed to ensure any urgent medical need or condition is dealt with "as necessary" amid the outbreak.

In a bid to restrict further deaths, people across Ringwood are urged to continue the fight against the infection spreading.

He said: "It is regrettable that the period of lockdown defence against coronavirus has had to be extended.

"Clearly, this will prolong the difficulties so many of us face each day but we simply must continue the fight against infection spread as instructed by Government advice. Coronavirus is present in and around Ringwood and we must do all we can to restrict further casualty numbers.

"Every death is a tragedy and on behalf of our whole community I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to all who have suffered loss.

"I congratulate and thank Ringwood people for good-humoured, well-disciplined adherence to the stay home, socially distance, stay safe policy which has resulted in the police reporting very few problems.

"Our local medical practices maintain a strong emphasis on the need for our continued diligence and point out that access to doctors remains fully available through telephone or email consultation.

"A total triage system is being employed to ensure that any urgent medical need or condition is dealt with as necessary.

"Also of course we benefit from the wonderful response of numerous individuals, organisations and the many volunteers offering help with personal needs through the Ringwood Coronavirus Assistance group who can be contacted by phone at 01425 542031 or email assistance@ringwood-coronavirus.org.uk.

"Though we had to close the Town Council Gateway building, your councillors continue to work as best they can to address community needs, the town council officers and staff continue working to ensure that essential services provision is maintained and public contact remains available by email to town.council@ringwood.gov.uk or telephone (during office hours) 01425 484720.

"It only remains for me to repeat my thanks and good wishes to the people of Ringwood and on behalf of the community to all the front line workforce – NHS, essential service providers, shop staff, delivery personnel and all those who provide for our needs, care for us and protect us to say many, many sincere thanks."