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12 April Lockdown Changes - Moving Forwards

Hm Government and NHS banner. Text reads "Let's take this next step safely." Hands Face Space Fresh Airlogo.

 

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health for Essex County Council, issued a statement ahead of the coming Covid-19 restrictions easing in England, reflecting on the falling case rate in Essex and how we can move forward. His statement reads:

“It is thanks to the sacrifices of Essex residents over the last few months that Essex has gone from having one of the highest rates of Covid-19 nationally to the lowest in the region at about half the national rate. With restrictions set to ease further from Monday, the actions we all take over the coming weeks and months will determine whether we stay there.

“As we prepare to take another step forward, I cannot emphasise how important it is for everyone to continue to follow three key actions; these will mean the difference between managing the risk of the virus and another, potentially significant increase in rates in the future.

“Firstly, please get vaccinated when you are invited to do so. Secondly, please consider self-testing twice-weekly if you are not showing symptoms. This is now easier than ever thanks to the new self-test collection sites we have made available across Essex, as well as the national site where you can arrange to have tests delivered to your home.

“And finally, please continue to socially distance wherever you can. The virus cannot easily transmit further than two metres so this will keep you and those around you safe.

“While infection rates will inevitably rise as restrictions ease, I urge everyone to be as careful as possible and not risk losing the freedom we are all looking forward to enjoying again. The actions we choose from next week will have consequences and I encourage everyone to play their part.”

 

12th April Changes

From Monday 12th April, further restrictions are being liftedin England – here’s what’s changing. From next week:

  • All shops are allowed to reopen
  • Close-contact services like hairdressers and beauty salons can reopen
  • Restaurants and pubs are allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outside
  • Gyms, spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres can reopen
  • Members of the same household can take a holiday in England (only in self-contained accommodation – hotels and B&Bs can’t reopen until May 17th)
  • Weddings of up to 15 people can take place
  • Funerals with up to 30 people can take place, with 15 allowed at wakes
  • Children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity
  • Care home visitors to increase to two per resident
  • Driving lessons can resume – driving tests restart on the 22nd April