Stay apart when outside

From this week, groups of up to six people are able to meet outdoors in England, including in gardens and other private outdoor spaces, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed.

It is critical that those from different households continue to stay 2 metres apart. People should not spend time inside the homes of their friends and families, other than to access the garden or use the toilet.

You should continue to stay alert and limit your contact with others. Staying at home is the easiest way to do this. The more people you have interactions with, the more chance the virus has to spread. Therefore, try to limit the number of people you see - especially over short periods of time.

It's still important to remember the stay alert guidance, and keep these points in mind: 

• Keep staying at home wherever possible
• Keep working from home where you can
• Keep 2 metres apart if you go out
• Keep exercising safely
• Keep washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• Keep self-isolating if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• Keep travelling by car, bike or walking
• Keep staying safe at work
• Keep shielding yourself if you’re vulnerable
• Keep supporting local businesses
• Keep looking out for each other

The Government has published a list of 'Frequently Asked Questions' that can be found on their website. 

An opportunity to say THANK YOU to all volunteers across the Braintree district 

This week marks National Volunteers' Week in the UK, so we would like to thank all of the volunteers who have given their time and efforts to help our communities, streets, and parks and open spaces so far in 2020.

Over the past few weeks we co-ordinated a virtual community hub, supported by Community360, helping over 250 vulnerable people with shopping, collecting prescriptions or just having someone to talk to during the pandemic, as part of the Essex Welfare Service referral scheme.

We have also been lighting up Braintree Town Hall blue overnight this week, in partnership with Community360, to thank local volunteers for their hard work and dedication throughout the coronavirus pandemic and the past year. 

To all the volunteers - you are amazing. Thank you. 

Braintree & Witham weekly markets reopening in a phased approach 

The weekly markets will reopen to traders in a phased approach, following the recent government announcement about re-opening outdoor markets.

• Witham from Saturday 6^th June
• Braintree from Wednesday 10^th June

Traders will be invited back to the market in a phased approach, to ensure adequate space for customers and the traders to shop and browse safely.

We are working with traders on preparations for the safety of staff, traders and public. This includes making changes to the stalls layout, hygiene facilities and signage to remind customers how to stay safe when waiting to be served.

We are doing what we can to make the town centre safe for people to visit, however it is still people’s responsibility to be sensible and safe and keep following the government guidance. Please remember to: 

• Keeping 2m apart when queuing and shopping
• Washing hands regularly and thoroughly once home
• Browse but please do not touch items on the stalls unless you are purchasing

Handwashing 

Handwashing still plays a key role in protecting yourself & others from coronavirus. 

• Wash your hands more often 
• Use soap & water for 20 seconds
• Or if soap & water isn't available - use hand sanitiser which is at least 75% alcohol

A good hand washing technique from the NHS is available on their website. 

3030 challenge is back for June 

This year the 3030 campaign isn't about how much sport and physical activity you can do, it’s about moving for 30 minutes for the 30 days of June!

Whether you walk around the house more or head out on a run more, join in a Keep Essex Active YouTube channel.

All you need to do is make sure you move for at least 30 minutes for every day of the month. There are no distances to run, no targets to beat and no calories to burn.

► Find out more and take part