Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Essex County Council

Trouble viewing? View this email in your browser. Coronavirus update A message from Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr David Finch Dear resident, Following on from the government’s announcement of the gradual easing of some of the restrictions of lockdown, Essex County Council has begun its own work to gradually reintroduce some services. The new #StayAlert guidance is by its nature more complex than what it replaced. Necessarily so, because we are entering a more complex phase of the national response to COVID-19. Advice and guidance to businesses and individuals must guide individual choices and actions. In Essex, from Monday, 15 recycling centres will open, but with a reduced service because of social distancing. Further details are in this newsletter and on our website. We are also working with primary schools and early years settings to help them plan how they will return. This will be phased, gradual and small-scale, from 1 June. In our town and city centres, where there is less motor traffic and the safest way to get to and from work is walking or by bicycle, we are beginning work to put temporary cycle lanes in place, and expand footpaths so that people have more room to socially-distance. We will be talking to local councils and cycling groups about the potential locations for such lanes in the coming days and weeks. Cllr David Finch Leader, Essex County Council Changes to our services Our website includes information on what you should do, the latest changes to our services and how you can get help in your community. Recycling centres opening 15 recycling centres in Essex will be open from Monday 18 May. Only waste and recycling which cannot be stored at home without causing a health or safety risk will be accepted. You should only visit a recycling centre if absolutely necessary. The safest way to get rid of your waste and recycling is using your kerbside collection. New restrictions and social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all residents and site staff. Please check for up to date information before travelling. Preparing for phased school reopening The government has announced that schools, colleges and early years settings could begin to reopen to more pupils from 1 June, subject to set conditions being met, such as the infection rate continuing to fall. This will initially apply to reception, year one, year six, and year 12 pupils. We are supporting education settings with their preparations for this phased reopening. In line with guidance, any return will take place on a small-scale basis, with a focus on the health and safety of pupils, families and staff. Schools and other settings will be contacting parents and carers with details of their arrangements in the coming weeks. To find out more you can view our news article or read the government guidance for parents and carers. Support now available for people who are feeling isolated or vulnerable Are you feeling isolated or vulnerable? Don't have help from family, friends, neighbours or your local community?  The Essex Welfare Service (EWS) is ready to support you, regardless of age, health or circumstance. We are working with partners including Carers First, ECL Sensory, Royal Mencap and Community Agents Essex to provide information and advice on: mental wellbeing caring responsibilities learning disability/autism dementia care sensory impairment keeping physically active If you or someone you know needs support you can request support, refer someone for support or phone 0300 303 9988. Don't call, click! The coronavirus situation has caused a lot of uncertainty, but we’re here to help.   Our website is the quickest and easiest way to find the information you need. It’s regularly updated with changes to our services. From the latest information about registrations to guidance on marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, you’ll find details on our website.  Save time and check online for updates. You can also help family and friends who don’t have access to the internet by checking for them too.  Key workers carrying out essential work Key workers are currently undertaking essential work on our telecommunications network. We ask that you please help support these engineers by respecting the important work they are doing on both network installation and maintenance. Any instances of abuse will be reported to network operators. A revolution for footways and cycle paths Cycling and walking will be at the forefront of getting the county moving again. We are planning to expand the cycle path and footway network in town and city centres across the county. This will allow people to cycle or walk to work or shops more easily and help with social distancing. Plans are being developed for a number of areas in Essex. More details will made available over the coming weeks.