Coronavirus (COVID-19) Latest Updates

As the second lockdown enters its third week there are grounds for hope – cautious hope – in humanity’s battle against Covid-19. Last week Pfizer announced that they may have a vaccine that is 90% effective.

 Brentwood and Ongar MP, Alex Burghart, has welcomed the news that Essex will benefit from the Government’s latest expansion of Covid-19 testing.

Essex County Council to receive £3,838,050.28 from government for food and supplies for vulnerable households as part of £170 million package
Extension of school holiday programme providing food and activities for young people also announced

I am very sad to have to report that the country is facing a new wave of restrictions to try to bring COVID-19 under control.

Government COVID-19 funding of £3.7million is being used by Essex County Council to support the most vulnerable people in the county this winter.

In a statement on coronavirus to the House of Commons today, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

"And while scientists are bleak in their predictions over the short-term, they are unanimously optimistic about the medium and long-term.

The Government today announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, has announced an expanded Job Support Scheme today:

From today, people across England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace - and face fines if they disregard the rules.

The new NHS Covid-19 App is now available to download for IOS and Android. I would encourage everyone in Brentwood and Ongar to download it. Please also share this with your social media followers.