Coronavirus: How Crawley is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

A number of venues across the area told the Observer they were operating as usual during the COVID-19 pandemic, although representatives advised members of the public to maintain good hygiene.

Simon Cuckow, centre manager at County Mall shopping centre, said: “County Mall is currently monitoring the available advice from the NHS, Central Government and its own policies in regards to the current coronavirus situation.

“We are working closely with our cleaning service provider to ensure best practice is followed throughout the centre and continue to advise all our customers to follow the guidance provided by the NHS.”

K2 Crawley leisure centre is also open as usual, but have increased the number of cleaning supplies for use by members of the public.

Stuart Mills, area contract manager at Everyone Active, which operates K2 Crawley, said: “Following information from Public Health England, we are advising all members and customers to familiarise themselves with the advice on coronavirus by referring to our posters in the reception and changing areas of our facilities.

“Colleagues are also carrying out regular health, safety and cleanliness checks and are ensuring all touch-point surfaces are cleaned regularly.

“We are also increasing our supply of anti-bacterial soap, hand and surface anti-bacterial spray, and paper towels available within our gyms and are asking all customers to wipe down any equipment they have used.

“Everyone Active is continuously monitoring the ongoing updates and guidance offered by Public Health England and the NHS. We are also asking our colleagues to follow the ongoing advice.

“We’d just like to emphasise that staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle should remain a priority for our colleagues and members.

“For more information, please visit everyoneactive.com/coronavirus.”

Crawley Borough Council is currently operating as usual, although this may change in accordance with government guidelines.

However, the council has recommended that residents sign up to myCrawley so they do not need to come into the town hall, and have asked people avoid coming in unless they have an appointment.

Allan Hambly, communications manager at Crawley Borough Council, said: “On myCrawley you can get instant access to rubbish and recycling updates, all of our forms (personalised with your details for fast filling once you’ve signed up) and your Council Tax account to view balances and bills and manage your payments, instalments and discounts.

“Our information for residents and businesses is on our website.”

The website offers information on symptoms and prevention, and offers advice for local businesses.

The Hawth Theatre has announced its temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more by clicking here.

The Capitol in Horsham has closed its doors to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more by clicking here.

Tilgate Park Nature Centre has closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak, in the interests of keeping its residents, visitors and animals safe.

A public meeting at Elim Church about plans for 10,000 homes west of Ifield has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more here: crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/politics/talk-ifield-meeting-on-plans-for-10-000-homes-postponed-1-9265407.

A decision on the upcoming British Airways Run Gatwick events is due to be made today, while the Crawley Community Awards scheduled for this evening (March 16) has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It is hoped the awards will be rearranged for later in the year. Read more here: crawleyobserver.co.uk/health/coronavirus-crawley-community-awards-postponed-1-9265620.

Other events are also being postponed.

The community group Talk Broadfield has cancelled a litter picking event planned for this weekend.

Kiran Khan, Talk Broadfield secretary, said: “Our sincere apologies but due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the litter picking event on March 21 is officially cancelled.

“I hope you all stay safe and follow the government’s guidance at this time and practise social distancing.”

A volunteer at Crawley Museum confirmed there had been no downturn in visitors and no additional precautions put in place.

Crawley Down Residents’ Association has mobilised to support vulnerable members of the community, working with All Saints’ Church to establish a support network for those at particular risk. The Crawley Down Support Network will consist of a group of volunteers who will help those who are unable to help themselves.

Those who would like to get involved are invited to get in contact via the Crawley Down Residents Association website.

A similar support group has been set up for Pound Hill residents. Find out more about the Pound Hill Area Neighbourly Team Support (PANTS) group by clicking here.