Today (29 March) we see the next step in the easing of lockdown restrictions. You can now:
- Meet outside with one other household or within the rule of six – this includes in your own garden
- Some outdoor sports facilities including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts will open
The stay at home rule will end, but you should stay local as much as you can. Where possible, you should continue to work from home and minimise the journeys you make.
Please also continue to follow the rules, wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance.
► Get more information about the government's Covid-19 roadmap
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable and have previously been advised to shield, you will no longer need to do so from this Thursday (1 April). You should, however, continue to take extra precautions, such as limiting social interactions, to help keep yourself safe.
The Uttlesford Community Response Hub is still available for any resident who needs support. It can help people with shopping and collecting prescriptions, as well as other day-to-day activities such as dog walking.
The number 03333 408 218 is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or you can send an email.
Covid-19 data for Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock) is published on the Essex County Council website.
► See a breakdown of the latest Covid data for Essex
► Get the latest Covid news and statements from Essex County Council
If you are aged 50 or over and have not yet had or been booked for your first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, you need to act now.
You can contact your GP to make an appointment, or visit the National Booking Service or call 119.
If you have had the vaccine there is still a chance you could spread coronavirus. This means it is important that you continue to follow government guidance, including social distancing rules
► Find out more about the vaccination programme in Essex
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Essex residents who access regular, symptom-free, rapid Covid-19 tests are being encouraged to plan ahead due to closures during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
All of Essex County Council’s 12 Covid-19 rapid test centres will be closed on Good Friday (2 April) and Bank Holiday Monday (5 April).
The centres will, however, be operating normal hours on Saturday and Sunday (3 and 4 April).
Normal service will resume on Tuesday 6 April.
These tests are only for people who DO NOT have symptoms. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, you need to book a test with GOV.UK.
► Find out more about symptom-free, rapid Covid-19 tests
Collection points for self-testing kits
You can now pick up lateral flow kits to test yourself at home. Collection points are located across Essex.
For more information on locations and opening times, visit Covid-19 test collection scheme.
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There are two self-isolation support schemes available to Essex residents, both offering a £500 payment for the 10-day self-isolation period.
If you don’t qualify for the government self-isolation payment, you may be eligible under the discretionary criteria of the Essex scheme.
These schemes can help support you while you self-isolate.
► Find out how to apply for a self-isolation support payment
People across Essex have reported receiving a text message that tells them that they still need to complete the Census. They are then directed to a bogus Census website.
Do not respond to these text messages.
- The Office of National Statistics (ONS) Census team will not text unless someone has specifically requested a new code by text
- The ONS Census team will not email unless someone has specifically requested confirmation of census completion
- Census field officers will always show you ID and will not enter your property. They will not complete questionnaires "on the doorstep"
If you have any concerns, you can call the Census helpline free on 0800 141 2021.
How will you vote at the elections on 6 May – in person, by post or by proxy? Cast your vote however it suits you.
Registering for a postal vote is quick and easy and can be done online. The closing date for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April.
You can also request a proxy vote if you want someone else to vote on your behalf because you can't get to your polling station on polling day. The closing date for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on 27 April.
► Further information about the elections on 6 May are available on the Uttlesford District Council website.
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Great news! All of our health walks will be starting again from today (Monday 29 March).
The walks will be organised in a Covid-secure way and, where possible, the walk leaders will be taking routes that avoid busy, popular areas.
► Find out more about the health walks in Uttlesford
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If you’re planning on visiting the Essex Country Parks this Easter, follow these top tips and help us keep the parks safe for everyone:
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Rules change from today (29 March) –follow the rule of 6 outside or meet as two full households
- Parks are likely to be busy so please try to avoid peaks if possible. Busiest times tend to be between 11am and 1.30pm
- Do social distance. Be respectful of others in areas such as car parks, narrow paths, toilets, and other indoor areas
- Enjoy a takeaway where cafes are open, but please wear a face mask when using any of the indoor facilities (including toilets)
- Bring and use hand sanitiser before and after enjoying the children’s play equipment
- You are welcome to picnic, but BBQs are strictly not allowed at any of the parks
- Please don’t litter – take your rubbish home with you if there is nowhere else for it to go
- Always keep dogs under control and clear up after them
► Visit the Explore Essex website for more information
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Looking for something for the kids to do over the Easter holidays? Well, spring is in the air and so is the next click and collect activity pack from Saffron Walden Museum.
'Burst into Spring’ is available to order now via the museum’s art tickets page. Children can learn all about the creatures emerging from hibernation during spring time, and identify them with a footprint trap.
Packs will be available to collect from 30 March. Email Charlotte Pratt to arrange a collection slot.
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There are hundreds of local people who have been actively supporting the community and individuals throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The Uttlesford Making a Difference Awards aim to recognise those people who have made a difference to others.
The closing date for nominations is 14 April.
► Get details and nominate someone for an award
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 Go to the Uttlesford District Council website for Easter weekend information including the council's opening times, who to contact in event of an emergency, when your bins will be collected, and how to stay safe when you are out and about.
► Go to the UDC website for information
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