(a)        To receive announcements from the Lord Mayor, Chief Executive, Assistant Director for Finance or Head of Legal Services;

(b)        To receive announcements from the Leader, Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs.

The Lord Mayor made the following announcements:

·         Steven Dodds, Olympic Rower is rowing for charity outside of the Council Chamber today in aid of the Lord Mayor’s nominated charities and the Special Olympics Charity;

·         Plymouth Music Zone won the Heart of the Arts 2020 award for Best Arts Initiative in partnership with Plymouth City Council;

The Lord Mayor then requested that Council suspend the usual procedural rules to allow the Director of Public Health to provide an update to the Council on Covid-19. The Deputy Lord Mayor seconded the motion and this was agreed unanimously by Full Council.

The Director of Public Health then provided an update on the current situation with regards the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chief Executive of the Council, Tracey Lee then provided an update on the delay to the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections, local elections and changes to requirements for Annual General Meetings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Detailed guidance is due to be issued from government later this week.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Evans OBE made announcements including the following:

·         The challenging situation the country and Plymouth will face due to Covid-19 and the importance of providing health and social care for those most vulnerable;

·         Support for schools and care systems and the business community;

·         Support for City Council staff and ensuring business continuity plans are in place;

·         Thanks were extended to Council staff and all Public Sector Workers;

·         The latest advice and guidance can be found on the City Council website and will be regularly updated.