Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council have this week launched their local contact tracing service.
The Essex and Southend Contact Tracing Service is one of the first local systems launched by any authority areas in the country. However, both authorities have warned vigilance is still needed.
The Local Outbreak Plan for Essex is available on the ECC website.
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From Saturday 4 July, establishments such as pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they follow the Covid-19 secure guidelines.
Social distancing rules are still in place. It will not be possible for large groups of friends or family to meet indoors, even at pubs and restaurants.
Not all businesses have taken the decision to open, and those that are opening will be doing so under a new ‘normal’ – so things will not look the same as they did before lockdown. Expect to see each type of business applying the guidance in slightly different ways. We’d advise you check or call ahead so that you know what to expect.
Please also be patient, be kind, and respect all the additional measures that are put in place to keep yourself and others safe.
East of England Ambulance Service is urging the public to show restraint, drink responsibly and remember social distancing on the first weekend that pubs and restaurants reopen as lockdown restrictions are eased.
► Read more
Essex Trading Standards has received reports of beauticians, nail salons and cosmetic procedure providers planning to open on 4 July. The government has decided that a number of businesses, including beauty salons and spas must remain closed.
Anyone operating could be served with a prohibition notice and then prosecuted, resulting in an unlimited fine.
Report any concerns by calling 0808 223 1133.
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Shop local, shop safe
Please support our retailers by shopping local and safely – maintain social distancing at all times and follow the signage that is in place to protect you and others.
► Advice for shoppers – how to stay safe while out shopping, where to park and getting further updates as new businesses open up
► Advice for businesses – which businesses can open, when you can open and how to work safely.
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Some new interim, signed 20mph speed limits on roads in busy shopping areas of Saffron Walden have been put in place on main routes around the town centre, including High Street and George Street/Hill Street. These are in addition to road closures implemented by the Town Council on 15 June.
The measures have been introduced as part of the continuing response to the Covid-19 pandemic and provide a 'Safer, Greener, Healthier' environment for shoppers and other pedestrians and cyclists.
► Read more
People can share comments on the measures by sending an email to SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk.
See more about the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures on Essex Highways' website.
Details of the measures can be found on the town council's website.
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Essex County Council has announced the re-opening of an initial group of libraries from 6 July, which includes Dunmow library.
An additional 44 libraries, including Saffron Walden and Stansted libraries will open from 13 July.
For further information, visit the Essex Libraries website.
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It is important that we all take a little extra care to look after our mental health.
With many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times, Every Mind Matters highlights that there are lots of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and help others to prevent any concerns they have from becoming serious issues.
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Do you drive a taxi or private hire vehicle, or thinking of taking one as a passenger?
We have some simple Covid-19 tips to keep all drivers and users safe:
► Drivers
► Passengers
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On 5 July, it will be 72 years since the NHS and social care system was established.
Local children are being invited to highlight their NHS heroes by colouring in a special picture. Designed by Colouring Heroes, the image aims to celebrate the wide range of heroes who work so hard for all of us every day – especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
► Download the colouring sheet
Don’t forget to take a picture and share it with us on Twitter or Facebook!
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To celebrate Plastic Free July, Love Essex is giving away a plastic-free picnic hamper to one lucky winner that has signed the Essex Plastic Pledge.
If you haven't already signed up, click here and take the pledge!
The competition closes at midnight on 31 July – T&Cs apply.
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From Monday 6 July, the advice to people who are shielding will change:
1. From 6 July, they can spend time outdoors in a group of up to 6 people
2. From 1 August they can visit shops and places of worship
3. From 1 August they can go to work if they cannot do so from home and place of work is Covid-19 secure.
Remember, where you can, stay at home as much as possible.
Handwashing still plays a key role in protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.
- Wash your hands more often
- Use soap and water for 20 seconds
- Or use hand sanitiser
► Guidance on good handwashing technique
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We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
► FAQs: what you can and cannot do now
► FAQs: what you can and cannot do after 4 July
► Latest NHS advice
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