Southend-on-Sea remains in COVID alert level MEDIUM (tier 1)and the council will not yet request to be moved into the second tier of the Government’s new national COVID-alert system
The decision follows Essex County Council’s request to the secretary of state made on Tuesday 13 October to move to tier two (high alert). which was granted today (15 October).
However, the Council and its partners remain seriously concerned by the rate of increase in positive cases in Southend-on-Sea (from 13.65 positive cases per 100,000 on 11 September to 47.5 per 100,000 people on 11 October).
We are therefore urging local people to redouble their efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and help keep local rates down, which could prevent Southend-on-Sea being moved into tier two, either through a proactive request for more restrictions, or being told to by the Government.
Please visit the local covid alert page on our website to keep updated on the latest position for Southend-on-Sea and what medium alert means for local people and businesses.
Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for adult social care and health and the chair of the local outbreak control plan oversight and engagement board, says: “Throughout the pandemic we have sought to take a proactive, preventative and balanced approach.
“This is the right approach to take to get this virus under control and we are committed to taking the preventative measures needed in the interests of public health, whilst protecting our local community, NHS services and the local economy.
“At the current time we do not believe that our rate of infection merits a request to move up tiers. However, we are very concerned about how quickly our rate is increasing and we will therefore continue to monitor our local data closely and daily, and are ready to take proactive action if we believe it is needed to prevent further spread.
“We expect to review our position early next week which will take today's decision by the secretary of state regarding Essex County Council into account.
“The pandemic has been going on for a long time now and we cannot thank people enough for the sacrifices they have already made. But we must keep going and redouble our efforts as a local community. Individually and collectively we can make a difference and keep the rate down. This means following the national guidance, including washing our hands regularly, wearing face coverings, keeping two metres apart from those we don’t live with, and sticking to the rule of six.”
For more information and updates on Coronavirus, please visit our Coronavirus Information pages.