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Councils’ allocations for the local public health grant from April, which also goes to fund local addiction support services, has still yet to be announced leaving the future of many vital services in doubt.

"Councils remain ready to work with the Government so they can use their experience and expertise to help contact and trace these people."

"This extra funding will be crucial to support the tireless efforts of council social care staff to continue to support and protect people who rely of social care."

Responding to the Government pledge to protect renters amid the coronavirus outbreak, Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, said: “Councils are leading local efforts to support communities as they try and cope with the coronavirus outbreak. They will be working with tenants who are experiencing financial challenges as a result to support them to stay in their homes. Many are already suspending debt recovery and will try and use discretionary funding to support struggling household as quickly and effectively as possible “Councils need the flexibility

“The most important thing is that the public and those working on the frontline get a complete picture of the impact this virus has had in our neighbourhoods and in our communities."

“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and each of these figures represents another shocking and terrible loss of a family member and friend."

“This extra funding for infection control in care homes is good news and will help councils’ public health teams in their efforts to reduce and prevent coronavirus outbreaks."

“Councils want to continue playing a leading role in supporting local communities and the national effort to defeat this disease."

“As the focus shifts from hospitals to social care we need to do all we can to shield people in care homes and those receiving care in their own homes."

“Councils need adequate resources and funding certainty to not only cope with this immediate coronavirus crisis but to continue providing other vital public health services for the long term."