Government guidance and advice

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• Stay at home as much as possible
• Work from home if you can
• Limit contact with other people
• Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• Wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

Call our coronavirus helpline on 01992 564088 or see our coronavirus pages for updates on our services.

UK Government guidance and support

Find information on coronavirus, including guidance, support, announcements and statistics:

• Protect yourself and others from coronavirus
• Testing for coronavirus
• Health and wellbeing
• Work and financial support
• Working safely
• Businesses and self-employed people
• School openings, education and childcare
• Housing and accommodation
• Driving and transport in the UK
• International travel and immigration
• Volunteering and offering help
• Healthcare workers, carers and care settings
• Support if someone dies

Information for residents shielding

Around 2.2 million people with severe health conditions have been following shielding guidance from the Government.

Update on the changes from 6 July to the guidance for those Shielding

Government guidance on face coverings 

Face coverings must be worn on public transport and from the 24 July 2020 in shops and supermarkets.

WhatsApp coronavirus information service

To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp:

• Add 07860 064422 to your phone contacts
• Message the word hi in a WhatsApp message

Users will get information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting.

Essex County Council Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updates on how coronavirus is affecting services, and information, advice and guidance for residents.

Coronavirus Easy Read

Easy Read documents are for people with learning disabilities to help them understand important information. The information is written in short sentences that avoid difficult words or jargon.

Lots of other people use Easy Read information too:

• Older people
• Young people and children
• People who don’t speak english as a first language
• People who don’t have enough time to read long, complex versions of information