GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS ESSEX TO MOVE TO HIGH COVID ALERT LEVEL.
The government has confirmed that Essex will move to the high COVID alert level at midnight on Friday 16 October.
Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
“We welcome the government’s announcement today regarding Essex moving to the high COVID alert level, which is clear recognition of the severity of the situation we find ourselves in as a county, and indeed across many parts of the country.
“We think the government has decided correctly and been guided by the science. The fact is that the number of cases in Essex is rising exponentially.
“We understand that the move to the high COVID alert level may affect people’s lives and businesses and we understand the very strong feelings about this. However, we have a duty of care to the people of Essex, and we firmly believe that this is the best route to minimise disruptions, to save lives - not just for those with the virus, but for other patients as well - and to protect businesses.
“More information is available on the GOV.UK website around specific restrictions which apply to the high alert level.
“These are difficult times for individuals, businesses and communities, but I know that as a county we will come together to support and protect one another – as we have done previously - and that acting sooner rather than later to curb the spread of COVID-19 is the right thing to do.”