Day 11 of Lockdown
On Day 11 of lockdown, we think about the 2 nurses, both mothers of 3, who died today. Being on the front line, along with many in often-considered lowly jobs (posties, shop workers, dustmen etc…), we rightly thanked them last night at 8 pm and it was good to hear more noise this week than last!
So, some important, and one less so, items to discuss:
- It is going to get summery this weekend, is that good news?
- How well are we doing with our volunteering?
- Staying Inside, a musical interlude.
Sunshine
The lockdown is intended to help reduce the number of cases the NHS are asked to deal with. By staying in we reduce the number of human contact points and this will suppress infection rates. There is concern that the warm weather might cause a return to normal behaviour such as picnicking etc…
In light of the forecast for the coming week, CBC has issued the following appeal:
As temperatures warm up over the coming days, and with Easter fast-approaching, people are asked to continue observing rules around social distancing when venturing outdoors and visiting public spaces.
This always means only going out once a day for some fresh air and exercise, or for essentials such as shopping or medicines, and adhering to Government advice to stay local, use open spaces near to home where possible and not to congregate.
Although the council has now closed all its playgrounds, outdoor gyms and car parks serving its parks and countryside sites, the parks themselves remain open. When visiting parks, residents should abide by the Government’s social distancing guidelines and remain at least two metres apart from others. Gatherings of more than two people will be asked to disperse.
Thanks
ECC has thanked two groups in the past 24 hours:
Businesses & Others Responding to PPE Appeal
Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
I want to personally thank all the businesses, sole traders and residents who have donated equipment or offered to link us with their suppliers.
Because of your generosity and help, more frontline workers in services can be protected from contracting COVID-19 while carrying out their vital work.
This is the spirit of community and togetherness of purpose which will get us through this current crisis. But the fact is, the virus continues inexorably towards its peak, and national efforts, while expanding, are struggling to keep pace.
We are continuing to explore contracts for Essex and are still to receive PPE from national sources, so if any of you haven’t yet offered, but have the necessary equipment, it’s not too late. Anything more that the wonderful businesses of Essex can do would be massively appreciated.
To donate or advise Essex County Council of stock please email [email protected]; provide a contact name, phone number, quantity and postcode. Items will be collected safely with collectors observing social distancing and hand hygiene.
Volunteers
Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, thanks everyone who has “volunteered for Essex”:
Have you signed up to volunteer for the Essex Welfare Service?
We have been overwhelmed for which I am very very grateful.
I appreciate your patience while we allocate people to activity. There’s a lot of activity developing which will begin in the next few weeks. If you haven’t heard yet rest assured we will be in contact with you. Thank you again for volunteering, you are what makes Essex great
If you would like to volunteer, please visit Essex Welfare Service.
Musical Interlude