National restrictions apply until 2 December
Visit the GOV.UK website for information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
From 2 December we will be in Tier 2
Restrictions include:
-
you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
-
you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
-
businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
-
pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
-
early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
Full restrictions are on the Gov website
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other
- wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
- cover face - wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- make space - stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
Get tested and do not leave home for at least 10 days after your test
Testing
Who can get tested and how to order a test.
From Monday 30 November, if a business has a confirmed case within their workplace, they must notify their local authority immediately.
To do this, please call 01702 212497 or email [email protected] with details of your business name, address, contact number and anonymised information about the confirmed case. Please also give details of any close business contacts you believe may need to self-isolate too. Our Environmental Health department will then call you back.
Please note that if you have a confirmed case within your business, close contacts of that confirmed case will also need to self-isolate. It is not sufficient to send a worker for a COVID-19 test and if this returns a negative result, for them to continue working within your business premises. A negative test result is not conclusive evidence of non-infection due to the incubation period for transmission. Therefore, all close contacts will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from potential exposure to the virus.
Staff who are asked to self-isolate may be entitled to financial assistance, either through their employer or through the government. Please click here for more details of the government guidance or click here for details about the £500 self-isolation grant payment for people on a low income
If you would like support and further guidance in this situation, you can also phone 01702 215 005 and speak to our Regulatory Services Team.
Had a call from test and trace?
If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent the Essex and Southend Contact Tracing Service, you can call either of these numbers to verify that the call is genuine: 0300 303 2698 or 01376 319610.
Scam protection advice
The pandemic has given criminals new ways to trick people. People can be conned into giving away money or personal information.
Criminals may contact people by phone, email, text message, or by visiting their homes. Criminals may impersonate trusted organisations to try to get your money.
If you think a person who has been in touch may not be genuine, please get help.
Contact details:
Essex Police - Please call 101 if you or someone you know is vulnerable and a victim of fraud
Take Five to Stop Fraud - Take Five offers advice to help protect your money from fraud. This includes from email, phone scams and online fraud.
Action Fraud - Report fraud or attempted fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Crimestoppers COVID Hotline (set up by the Government and Crimestoppers)
If you need to report fraud in the public sector during COVID then please call 0800 587 5030, alternatively you can do this by going to the Crimestoppers website. All reports are anonymous.
Need help?
Contact numbers during this time
Languages
Please see advice on coronavirus in other languages on the Gov website
Domestic Abuse
Are you experiencing domestic abuse and would like some information, advice or support?
If you are in danger, please call 999
If you are afraid of further danger if you are overheard calling 999, you can press 55 afterwards and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.
Please visit the Domestic Abuse page on Livewell Southend for more information on support available.
