As a new national lockdown is called by the Prime Minister, residents and businesses in Tendring are being urged to follow the rules.
On Monday (4 January) new restrictions were announced across England with people told to stay at home except for a few permitted reasons.
In summary people must only leave their home for specific purposes (such as getting food and medicine, medical treatment, or for work if they cannot reasonably work from home); can only exercise once daily, and only with one other person; and no household mixing except for support and childcare bubbles.
If exercising people should stay local to their village or town, while shielding resumes for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable. Schools and colleges are closed, except for vulnerable or key worker children, and all non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure venues are closed except for takeaway, delivery or click-and-collect services.
The full guidance can be read online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home, and restrictions are expected to be in place until at least mid-February.
With Tendring placed into Tier 4 of local Covid-19 measures last month, many of the restrictions were already in force in the district.
There are no new significant changes to Tendring District Council (TDC) services, but updates can be found at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Those who are shielding, or otherwise struggling to get supplies, can also call the Tendring Shield helpline on 01255 686700 for support.
The Chancellor has also announced this week a new package of business support grants, and TDC officers will be working through the details in the coming days to passport these to local businesses.
Details of new business grants, which come into effect as a result of the move to Tier 4 on Boxing Day, will go live this week; details can be found at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus.
