Most of Essex moves into Tier 4

The Government has announced that most of Essex is to move to tier 4 – the highest level of alert. It comes in response to concern around the high number of infections across the county driven by the new variant of the virus.

All parts of Essex which were previously tier 3 will move into tier 4 from midnight tonight.

Under the new tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail and personal care settings must close. People must work at home wherever possible, stay local and must not travel to enter or leave a tier 4 area.

Additionally, there is to be no mixing outside the household for Christmas and New Year, although support bubbles will remain in place.

Areas of Essex which remain in tier 2 (Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford) are urged not to let down their guard and will also see changes over the Christmas period with no more than one household now able to mix and for one day only. Further information on Covid-19 can be found here.

Please continue to follow the restrictions in place. Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in public spaces and keep your distance from people outside of your household.

The restrictions will be reviewed on 30 December.