THE FOREST of Dean is the only part of Gloucestershire that has not had a confirmed case of coronavirus.

Rumours last week that there had been a case of Covid-19 in the Beachley area were quickly quashed.

As the Review went to press on Tuesday, there had been 10 confirmed cases in the county.

Health chiefs say there have been three cases each in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, two in Tewkesbury and one each in Gloucester and Stroud.

Across the border in Monmouthshire there have been seven cases.

NHS leaders in Gloucestershire say the county is “well-prepared to respond to the unfolding situation.”

Visiting restrictions are in force at the two Forest hospitals.

Wyedean School issued a statement on Friday afternoon following rumours on social media of a case in Beachley.

It stated: “We are aware that there are some reports circulating on social media regarding a reported case of Coronavirus in our catchment.

“This afternoon we have had communication from the Beachley Barracks which states that they have no confirmed cases at 1 Rifles and we have also not received any confirmation of confirmed cases from Public Health England nor the local authority.”

Meanwhile, communities are also making plans to meet the challenge of coronavirus.

In St Briavels, parish councillor Mike Smith as emergency plan coordinator, has come up with a plan to look after those in the parish that are self-isolating as a response to the corona virus.

In a letter to councillors and other members of the community he wrote: “The Covid-19 outbreak is a threat to the most vulnerable in our community.

“At the time of writing we don’t know how bad it will get, but even the best case scenario is going to need us to step up to the plate and come together.”

Cllr Smith said that in trying to help, steps had to be taken to prevent the support network from inadvertantly spreading the disease.

He said: “We can use telephone and social media networks to check up on people without knocking on doors.

“I am looking for ways to co-ordinate our existing community networks.

“If you wish to be involved in a village support network or are in a position where you find yourself needing assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch. I will set up a forum where we can share information.”

Following the example of other communities around the country, Cllr Smith has begun printing cards for those who would ke to share their details and offer help to their neighbours.

Cllr Piers Chivers, Chairman of St Briavels Parish Council has added his support saying that he will seek parish council approval for funding as necessary.

These cards will be left at accessible locations around the parish, with the reminder that the cards “can be filled in and dropped through your neighbours’ letterboxes.”

Deputy leader of the Forest Council, and ward councillor for St Briavels, Cllr Chris McFarling (Green) said: “I am so grateful to Mike for implementing his responsibility as the emergency coordinator so proactively.

“Although I am one of those vulnerable individuals self-isolating because of a pre-existing chronic lung condition, that doesn’t stop me helping the community support network from the sanctuary of my own home. I am therefore sharing this example of good practice.”

Other services, such as community transport say they will try to keep as many services running normally.

Most events have been cancelled with the local rugby, football and hockey programmes on the English side of the border among the casualties.

Racing at Chepstow has also been cancelled.

Mayor of Coleford Nick Penny’s fund-raising stint isolated in the town centre for his charities Forest Talks and Young Minds has also been postponed.

West Dean parish council has announced the West Dean centre in Bream is closed.

The large car park at the centre will continue to be available to the public