Even though we have seen some real progress in our fight against coronavirus, especially with the milestone of the Covid-19 alert level being dropped to three today and the recent relaxations in lockdown measures, it’s important we remember that there is still strict social distancing guidance in place we need to follow.

Even though many non-essential shops have reopened and there are now more opportunities to go outside and meet family and friends, while still following social distancing guidelines, it is worth remembering there are still measures in place we all must all observe to stay alert, control the virus and save lives.

We should all still be staying at home as much as possible, keeping our distance from others and washing our hands frequently.

The social distancing guidance is still extremely important and something we all need to follow to make sure the infection rate stays low and we continue to make progress in our battle against this virus.

Something else we should all do to both limit the spread of the virus and make sure that we keep our borough clean is to not leave litter on the streets and in the parks. Over the last week or so we have seen an increase in the amount of litter being carelessly discarded in Thurrock.

This is not only unsightly for people trying to spend time outside it could also put other people at risk.

It is vital anyone using PPE, such as face coverings or gloves, takes it home to dispose of in the bin properly and does not discard it on the borough's streets

I implore everyone to behave responsibly, follow social distancing guidelines and make sure they dispose of their litter properly.

We will continue to keep residents up-to-date through these e-newsletters, however from now one there will be one a week rather than the two we were previously publishing.

Anyone planning on heading out to the borough’s shops this weekend should make sure they follow the guidance and stay #shopsafe.

Please continue to follow current social distancing guidance when travelling to or visiting our local shops. To control the risk of infection and shop safe, residents should:

• follow the signage and guidance in the high streets, shopping centres and shops
• keep a safe distance from one another
• wash your hands the moment you get home or arrive at work
• travel by bike or car and avoid public transport where possible
• you must wear a mask if using public transport

Additional signage has been installed in shopping areas to remind people to maintain safe distances.

Go to GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19) for the latest government information, including up-to-date advice and guidance for businesses that can open.

Even through there have been some relaxations in social distancing guidance it is vital that we remember many of the measures which have been in place since the pandemic first arrived are still in force today.

The current guidance on the best way for people to protect themselves and others and control the spread of the virus is:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (two metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

As before people cannot:

• visit friends and family inside their homes (unless you are in a support bubble) or for other limited circumstances set out in law
• stay away from your home or your support bubble household overnight - including holidays - except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as for work purposes
• exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
• use an outdoor gym or playground
• gather outdoors in a group of more than six (unless exclusively with members of your own household or support bubble or for one of the limited set of circumstances set out in the law)

More information about coronavirus is available at gov.uk/coronavirus and from the government’s Coronavirus outbreak FAQs

People who live in households with only one adult – anyone who lives by themselves or is a single parent – can expand their support network so that it includes one other household of any size. This is called creating a support bubble

They can visit the household in their support bubble, meet indoors, do not need to stay two metres apart and can even spend the night at their house if they wish.

There are key principles for how to form a support bubble safely. These are critical to keeping safe and saving lives:

• support bubbles must be exclusive – people shouldn’t change who is in their bubble or have close contact with anyone else they do not live with.
• if anyone in a support bubble is showing coronavirus symptoms, or otherwise self-isolating, everyone in that bubble should stay at home.
• if anyone in a support bubble is contacted as part of the test and trace programme, the individual contacted should stay at home. If the individual becomes symptomatic, everyone in the support bubble should then isolate.

More information about creating support bubbles for older people can be found at ageuk.org.uk