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Published by Helen Down at 2:13pm 1st July 2020. (Updated at 2:15pm 1st July 2020)

Cornwall Council is asking central government to spell out exactly what powers it can use to stop any future outbreaks of covid-19 in the Duchy.

The call is being made as the authority publishes it's own local outbreak management plan setting put how it would deal with any spikes.

This details how organisations from across Cornwall would help limit the effects of an outbreak.

The plan also describes how the council’s Local Outbreak Engagement Board will monitor progress and liaise directly with Government ministers.

"This plan details our response to any future coronavirus outbreaks and how we will work with our partners to prevent it spreading. I thank all those involved in helping put it together.

"But we still need clarity from government about what powers Cornwall Council will have to enforce any regional or localised lockdown, which would have a serious impact on our communities, businesses, and the livelihoods of residents in affected areas.

"Where is that guidance? We are yet to see it, and this continuing confusion risks undermining the hard work we and other local authorities have done to keep our residents safe and limit the impact of Covid-19."

Cornwall Council leader and chair of the Local Engagement Outbreak Board, Julian German

Cornwall Council says the local outbreak management plan was developed in close cooperation with other Local Authorities in the South West to make sure it meets the needs of Cornwall’s residents.

It also fits in with the work of neighbouring authorities outlining how close partnerships between local organisations like public health, the police, schools and care homes, alongside businesses and key industries such as tourism, will work.

A small committee made up of key personnel from Cornwall Council who can mobilise all the resources needed to provide a swift response to managing an outbreak has been set up.

"This comprehensive plan details how we will work with the new NHS Test and Trace Service and ensures we have the necessary capacity and capability to provide a fully co-ordinated approach to contain and manage local outbreaks of Covid-19.

"The plan isn't set in stone. It provides a blueprint for action, but it will be regularly updated as new national guidance is produced or legislation changes.

"Containing local outbreaks successfully will need to be a co-ordinated effort with specialists from Public Health England, the NHS, social care, education, the police, the private sector, employers and the community and voluntary sectors."

Cornwall Council’s interim Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth