Day 51 of Lockdown – the Monty Python edition

Day 51 and Monty Python

Monty Python kicks us off on day 51.  I’m afraid this video reminded me a little of some of the daily briefings we are getting.

Today sees the first day of softening in England, how was it for you?  We start with a few government updates – quite a lot came out today; those included here are most relevant to members of the public.

More Government Guidance

Some more guidance updates to ease our way into the common-sense world of soft lockdown, apologies if some of these appear repetitive or, at least, covering the same ground:

Good Things FoundationGood Things Foundation

CBC’s Community Response Team are linking with the ‘Good Things Foundation’.  They are campaigning for the 1.7 million households who don’t have access to the internet.  They are also being digitally excluded during the socially-distanced COVID-19 world.  The campaign aims to promote connectivity through the distribution of devices to get the most vulnerable people in the UK online.

They want to identify and compile a list of individuals who are digitally excluded and isolated in their community. Do you know of any residents who this would benefit?

If so, please contact the Parish Clerk with the following information:

  • the residents name,
  • contact details,
  • location, and
  • what device they require.

The resident will also receive set up support, guides on how to use their device and ‘keeping in touch’ conversations as part of the campaign.

Courier Fraud warningCourier Fraud Warning

Essex Police are reminding people in Essex to be vigilant following reports that fraudsters are attempting to take advantage of the current climate by carrying out crime online and at people’s doorsteps.

Sadly fraudsters will look to take advantage of any situation. This means tricking people into parting with their money and information, including posing as government officials, bank or other financial services employees by text message, online or by knocking at doors.

While we have only received a handful of incidents, it’s important that people be mindful before handing over money or personal details.

Some simple steps you can take are:

  • Do not assume or believe a call, a knock on the door or a deal online is genuine.
  • Take five minutes before taking action and trust your instinct. If it doesn’t feel real or genuine, it probably isn’t.
  • Challenge any calls, visits or messages you may receive.
  • Never click on links and never divulge personal information – the police and government departments will never ask you for these details.
  • If you receive any fake gov.uk/ COVID-19 messages, please report these to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
  • Contact your bank immediately if you think you are a victim of a scam.

What to doif suspecting courier fraud

Cycle routes & FootpathsEssex to Improve Cycle & Pedestrian Routes with Social Distancing

Cycling and walking will be at the forefront of getting the county moving again as Essex County Council launches plans to expand the cycle path and footway network across town and city centres in the county, allowing people to cycle or walk more easily to work or shops and help with social distancing.

As people return to work and start to visit shopping and retail centres again, social distancing protocols to stay two metres away from anyone who is not a member of your household will remain in place.

Traffic will increase

At present, many town and city centre roads in Essex are empty or have dramatically less traffic, although as lockdown restrictions get gradually lifted it is anticipated that traffic levels will increase, but perhaps not back to pre-COVID-19 levels. However, many pavements and cycleways in Essex are too narrow to allow social distancing, so change is necessary to encourage new, healthier ways of travelling locally.

In order to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists more, Essex Highways is planning to utilise empty road space by making temporary changes to the road network in Essex town and city centres. Essex County Council will be one of the first authorities to take these steps.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said:

We have a responsibility to provide adequate physical distance in town and city centres to maintain social distancing and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Recycling centreCommon Sense Called for as Recycling Centres Reopen

15 recycling centres in Essex will be reopened on Monday, 18th May.

Essex County Council is urging residents to be aware that when the recycling centres do open, new restrictions and strict social distancing controls will be in place to ensure the safety of residents and site staff. These restrictions will include limiting the number of cars on site at any one time.

This means when the recycling centres open, at the usual opening time of 9 am, there will be very long queues to get on the site.

Recycling centres are open for waste or recycling which cannot be stored at home without causing a health and safety risk.

Residents are urged to use a common-sense judgement to decide if the household waste they have really needs to go to the recycling centre right now, or if it can be stored safely until recycling centres return to normal. If it does need to go to the recycling centre, residents must be aware there will be a long wait.

The safest way to get rid of your waste and recycling is using your kerbside collection. A visit to a recycling centre is only essential where there is no alternative available.

Any residents showing symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolating or shielding should not visit any recycling centre; they should follow advice from Public Health England.

Cllr Simon Walsh, Essex County Council Cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change Action, said:

I am appealing for Essex residents to make a common-sense judgement – only visit a site if absolutely necessary. These are unprecedented times and we need you to help us.

More Monty Python Treats

Ministry of Silly Walks

Dead Parrott & Lumberjacks

Monty Python at the Proms

 

 

 

 

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