It is rare for health protection to make the headlines. When it does, it is serious. Indeed, in recent weeks, we have had two ongoing challenges: the coronavirus and flooding.

I want to start by commending directors of public health who have been working relentlessly to ensure that local systems and communities are as prepared as possible to contain, delay and manage coronavirus effectively. I would also like to thank all those partners the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is working with nationally – and those who directors of public health are working with locally.