Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition

Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown

On day 58 we get the chance to finish what we started on day 57; the Essex Life in Lockdown article inviting you to share your lockdown story. After that:

Consultation on Police Priorities,
Mental health awareness week,
- Mental health & wellbeing courses,
- Children’s Mental Health,
Garden Waste Collections,
Environment & Highways Meeting,
ECC COVID-19 Financial Impact,
As usual, some light relief.

The People of Essex – share your stories

The Research and Citizen Insight team at Essex County Council are reaching out to residents of Essex to hear their experiences and share stories of what it has been like for you during this extremely challenging time. How has COVID-19 and the lockdown has impacted your life, how you’ve been getting on, how you have managed to stay connected with friends, family and your community and how you’ve been feeling throughout the lockdown period? Continue reading “Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition”

May 13, 2020June 8, 2020

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.
Further clarifications on access to green spaces, public transport & schools.
Good Things Foundation.
Trying to ensure everybody is connected.
Courier Fraud Warning.
Warning from Essex Police.
Essex to Improve Cycle & Pedestrian Routes with Social Distancing.
Plans announced by Essex County Council.
Common Sense Called for as Recycling Centres Reopen.
ECC anticipate a rush, probably not good to be a trailblazer.
A few more Monty Python classics to amuse.

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: Continue reading “Day 51 of Lockdown – the Monty Python edition”

May 12, 2020May 12, 2020

Day 50 of Lockdown – the Florence Nightingale edition

Day 50 of Lockdown

Day 50 of lockdown is the last day of the soft lockdown as we look forward to tomorrow’s slightly softer version. Topics today include:

International Nurses Day (no coincidence it is on Florence Nightingale’s birthday);
Home births can resume;
Softening of lockdown – a range of articles;
The First meeting of Essex Climate Action Commission;
It’s still Christian Aid Week (link to Monday’s update);
Some nursing humour.

International Nurses Day

Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Continue reading “Day 50 of Lockdown – the Florence Nightingale edition”

May 11, 2020June 5, 2020

Day 49 of Lockdown – the Christian Aid edition

Day 49 of Lockdown

Day 49 and we hark back to 7 weeks ago when we were first taught to wash our hands frequently whilst singing happy birthday twice. Who’d have thought that Christian Aid uses the money donated for such things as teaching folks how to wash their hands? The picture right is of a hand-washing clinic run by Judith Lassie in the village of Sawula, Sierra Leone. There are some links to some videos from VE-Day 75 celebrations & also here a bit of comedy and some music. Continue reading “Day 49 of Lockdown – the Christian Aid edition”

May 9, 2020May 9, 2020

Day 47 of Lockdown – the Swift edition

Day 47 of Lockdown

No, this isn’t the Swift edition because time is passing quickly, at day 47 we all know it isn’t. This is about the avian kind after the coincidence of the RSPB and Colchester Group of the Essex Wildlife Trust both drawing attention to them today.

The update finishes, as they often do with a musical parody, but given the main messages in this update are light, today’s carries a little weight. It is offered in light of some unsocial-distancing experienced in many places yesterday evening and folks partied.

RSPB Announces “Happy World Migratory Bird Day”

Continue reading “Day 47 of Lockdown – the Swift edition”

May 6, 2020May 9, 2020

Day 44 of Lockdown – the Stress edition

Day 44 of Lockdown

On day 44 we start with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) being worried about stress levels during Lockdown. We then have two complementary articles from ECC and CBC about VE 75th anniversary and, as ever, end with some things to do and a little light relief.

Look after your mental wellbeing while working at home

During the coronavirus outbreak, it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home.

Stress affects us all at different times and in different ways. It can cause Continue reading “Day 44 of Lockdown – the Stress edition”

April 29, 2020May 3, 2020

Day 37 of Lockdown – the Captain Tom edition

Captain Tom Moore with Yorkshire Regt honours

Day 37 of Lockdown

Our Day 37 edition of Lockdown updates features a tribute to the inspirational Captain Tom who turns 100 tomorrow. Other news, starting with two pieces from ECC:

First a song for Captain Tom: Continue reading “Day 37 of Lockdown – the Captain Tom edition”

April 28, 2020September 6, 2020

Day 36 of Lockdown – the Social Dis Dancing edition

Day 36 of Lockdown

Zoom seems to be taking over our lives and day 36 reveals another unique way of using it. Enter Social Dis Dancing. We also have updates from:

The Dance Network Association

The Dance Network Association hopes to reach out to many dancers of all ages Continue reading “Day 36 of Lockdown – the Social Dis Dancing edition”

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

Day 17 of Lockdown – The “Let’s Not Waste It” Edition

Day 17 of Lockdown

Day 17 of Lockdown and apparently the curve is beginning to flatten but, we aren’t out of the woods yet. Hence our slightly macabre focal image today.

With a sunny ‘holiday weekend’ ahead we really can’t take a holiday from the lockdown although please do go outside your house this evening at 8 pm to clap for those who are supporting our society right now.

There is also one update from ECC and some, possibly slightly worrying, news from the Essex Resilience Forum. We will finish with some lightening of the mood looking at some things that have got better.

Vulnerable Adults

ECC has introduced a new service to help vulnerable adults stay physically and mentally active during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Stay Connected service Continue reading “Day 17 of Lockdown – The “Let’s Not Waste It” Edition”

April 8, 2020June 8, 2020

Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition

Day 16 of Lockdown

Day 16 of Lockdown and there’s definitely a lot going on. We have updates from the ECC, CBC, Essex Police and more. Let’s get started:

CBC has issued an announcement making it clear that this weekend is critical to “flatten the curve”, as the picture (right) says!
CBC are to restart recycling collections but on a new rota. Garden waste & textile collections remain suspended.
ECC issue advice on helping you to support your child’s mental wellbeing.
Essex Libraries see a large uptick in eBook and eAudio use – you can join online.
Meanwhile, Essex Police have also been busy.

Residents urged to heed advice and stay at home as weather is set to improve

With the weather expected to turn increasingly Spring-like over the weekend, residents are being reminded to follow advice to stay at home, protect lives and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Continue reading “Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition”