COVID-19: Life in Tier 2
Hands, Face, Space…
As you know, Essex has been placed into Tier 2, high restrictions, due to rising cases of COVID-19 in the county.
The move, announced by Essex County Council, means greater restrictions for those of us living within Essex. The Tier 2 restrictions do not include residents in Thurrock and Southend, who remain in Tier 1, medium alert.
The Tier 2 restrictions include not socialising inside with anyone other than your immediate family or those you are in a support bubble with and making you sure you comply with social distancing rules if you meet up to six others outside. With Halloween just a few days away, this includes making sure that children can enjoy the day safely by maintaining social distancing and only going out in a group of six or less.
While there is currently not a vaccine for the virus, here at West Essex CCG a great deal of work is taking place to get ready for when it does.
In the event a vaccine becomes available, it will first be offered to frontline health and care workers and the most vulnerable in the community first. At the moment we are unable to say when this could be but we will keep you informed when we have more news to share with you.
Until that time, it is more important than ever to follow the government advice to remember Hands, Face, Space.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, cover your face when inside a communal area of any kind such as a supermarket and shop, and leave at least two metres between yourself and others when outside.
You can find instructions on how to wear a face mask on the government’s website.
Should you experience any symptoms you must isolate. You can book a COVID-19 test by visiting the NHS website.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a very high temperature
- a persistent cough
- a change, or loss of, your sense of taste and smell.
For more information about the symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do, or how to download the NHS Test and Trace app, visit the NHS website.