February 2021
The latest Covid-19 data pack from Essex County Council is attached. A breakdown is also available on the county council website: www.essex.gov.uk/local-outbreak-control-plan. The all-Essex average case rate per 100,000 declined to just under 300 (295.4). The Uttlesford case rate was 208.1. Whilst the reduction in cases is welcome, the rate remains high.
Meanwhile, you may be aware that the Essex Resilience Forum this week stood down from ‘major incident’ status. The major incident declaration came on 29 December to enable the county to seek further support from government in the face of mounting pressures. The decision to stand this down signifies that the health system across the county is stable and in control. However, it’s important to note that pressures persist and the threat has not gone away yet. You can read the full statement here: www.essexprepared.co.uk/coronavirus/latest-news.
Clearly, there is more work to do and it is vital not to become complacent at this time. Everyone must continue to do the right things by sticking to the government guidance, working from home if possible, and always following the rules of hands, face, space including those who have had the vaccine.
Please help to continue spreading these messages.
Rapid testing & self-isolation payments
Thirteen rapid Covid-19 testing centres are now in operation across the county and capacity is exceeding demand. Residents who have to go out to work and who do not have symptoms are encouraged to get a Lateral Flow Test, which gives results in around 30 minutes. This approach to testing helps to identify the hidden cases in the community quicker, and allow people to self-isolate and stop the spread of the virus. It is a booking-only system and details are on the Essex County Council website: www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/if-you-dont-have-symptoms.
As a reminder, it would be helpful that any communication on the rapid testing programme is complimented with information about the self-isolation payments. There are two schemes which both offer a £500 payment – those who are not eligible for the government scheme may be eligible under the discretionary criteria of the local scheme. Residents can apply for both schemes through UDC: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/test-and-trace-payments.
Covid-19 vaccine information website for Essex
A new Covid-19 website which provides the latest information on the vaccination programme in Essex went live earlier this week – see here: www.essexcovidvaccine.nhs.uk. The website is hosted and managed by the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership but includes information across the whole of the greater Essex area, including west Essex (Uttlesford). We have been promoting the website through our communications channels.
Business support
Officers continue the work on administering government Covid-19 business support grants. We have developed a handy flow chart to help businesses work out which grants they are entitled to – you can find this here: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/covid-business-support-grants.
We know times are hard for many local businesses and want to do all we can to help them. Our Economic Development team is a source of valuable information, advice and guidance for businesses who may not know what is available. The team keep up to date information on available support alongside details of webinars, training, mentoring opportunities and other information relevant to the business community. They can also refer businesses to a specialist support agency if specific help is needed. In the coming weeks we will be asking for your assistance in spreading the message to all businesses that we are here to help.
We have been getting good feedback about our social media marketing sessions which are run by Maybe Tech. From next week there will be daily drop in sessions at 10am covering a range of subjects such as Facebook advertising and how to increase visibility online. Details of how to join a session are on our website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/business/how-to-use-social-media-to-drive-sales.