"I hope you are all keeping well," is how we used to begin a letter or even a press release, says Evercreech Mendip Councillor Barry O'Leary.

"Now it seems to be the most important greeting we can make. I've just come back home to Somerset from Ireland, where the handling of CV-19 seems very different to here in the UK."

Ireland has fewer cases of CV-19 than UK, but has shut down all schools and universities, limited Parliament to a third of MPs and authorities asked places of work to be cautious - all this could happen here over the coming days or weeks.

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Barry said: "Neither Ireland nor the UK have Italy's problems - we should be very thankful for that.

"While it's wise to pause some community events I do think people need to support local business and one another. So do consider going to your local pub for a drink, but maybe with a couple of friends only."

Things may get worse and we may get restrictions imposed, if so, Cllr O'Leary is asking people perhaps to buy a gift voucher for a meal at your favourite local restaurant as there are lots now in Shepton Mallet and surrounding villages.

Importantly it will give them some cash flow, and then when all this has calmed down go back and use your voucher and think about what good you have done.

The elderly, the homeless, the disabled, unemployed and self-employed generally cannot afford to stock up for three weeks.

Many of them are also our most vulnerable, so by panic buying you are putting the most vulnerable people at even more risk.

Barry says to support local smaller shops, like the Evercreech Co-Op and independent village bakery for example, villages and towns need consumers to continue to spend and continue to be customers.

He said: "This situation could last a lot of time, everyone is talking about physical health, its important we look after our own mental as well as physical health - if we have CV-19 restrictions this will be important.

"I think of the old Second World War slogan and I've modernised it slightly for our times. Keep calm, keep kind, carry on.

"I'm thrilled some fellow villagers have thought of a scheme where we can support people throughout the village during the coronavirus outbreak, particularly the elderly and more vulnerable.

"A group of volunteers will put a CV-19 contact form one through every door in Evercreech. It is intended that there will be volunteers throughout the village who are happy to give their number to neighbours - just so people feel a sense of community.

"It is intended to have the effect so people can self-isolate without feeling alone or feeling powerless.

"Thanks to Rosie and Olly Wareham for the idea and their drive to make this happen, what a great idea.

"Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their efforts, but especially Rosie and Olly for their community spirit, I'll do all I can to highlight this great community idea. Most importantly we all need to keep well."

Anyone who wishes to help out can get in touch with Barry via email on [email protected], he will connect you with the volunteer team.