FIFE council will close its customer service call centres tomorrow (Wednesday) with only emergency calls being dealt with.

An open letter from Fife Council Chief Executive Steve Grimmond said they, like the rest of the country, were now operating in "emergency" mode.

"In line with Government instructions, many of our employees must now stay at home and others are self-isolating or unwell. However, the most critical public services are still being delivered," he said.

"Staff are working round the clock to set up new processes; to support health services; to keep people informed and well; to stay linked in with the business and voluntary sectors.

"They are doing their best in extremely challenging circumstances. You can help by only contacting us in an emergency.

"Our contact centre can only accept emergency calls and we can only carry out emergency housing repairs.As everyone has been told to stay at home, all our customer service centres will be closed from tomorrow (Wednesday).

"Urgent appointments, such as registering a death, will happen over the phone."

Bins are still being collected however landfill and food/garden waste (blue and brown bins) are being prioritised. If green and black bins are not collected, householders are being advised to bring them back in until next time.

"People’s welfare is our top priority," said Mr Grimmond. "Our health and social care teams are continuing to provide 24-hour care in group homes and care homes, home care and meals on wheels, as well as taking an active role in supporting the NHS response.

"And, beyond healthcare, we know many households will be hit financially by the impacts of this epidemic. Families who have received a school clothing grant or free school milk will start receiving direct payments from tomorrow to help feed children at home.

"If you think you may be eligible, please apply at fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefits. Help is available to anyone struggling to keep up with their council tax or rent payments, as well as crisis grants for those facing serious hardship.

"If your earnings are affected during this time, please check what national benefits you may now be entitled to.

"We’ve already opened 29 Children’s Activity Centres to provide essential childcare for key workers that need it, so that they can continue the work that society depends on.

"Places have to be strictly limited for everyone’s safety, but over the next few days we’ll be reviewing usage to see if we can offer places to other category 1 and 2 key workers.

"We appreciate how worrying a time this is for people and council staff are prepared to take up new roles to keep delivering these vital services, protecting them and our communities as far as possible.

"Everyone in Fife can continue to do their bit to stop the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS by following the national guidance to stay at home.

"Once again I want to thank the health professionals and council employees working tirelessly to keep Fife as safe as possible. And to stress to every Fifer how important it is for you to play your part."

Full details of all service disruptions, facility closures and advice and support are available online at www.fife.gov.uk/coronavirus.