News | Thurrock Council

COVID-19 testing for everyone who cannot work from home

11 January 2021

Thurrock Council is urging all those who are still attending a workplace to get a free COVID-19 test as soon as possible, even if they do not have any symptoms.
From Tuesday 12 January testing kits will be available to pick up at East Tilbury library, Chadwell library and Belhus library. Testing for those without symptoms will also be available at drive through test sites in Corringham, Tilbury and Grays.

New national lockdown announced for England

4 January 2021

A new 'stay at home' national lockdown has been announced by the government.
Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "Tonight's announcement means that everyone must stay at home, which means only leaving your house or being outside of your home when absolutely necessary, such as when shopping for essential necessities or exercising. School children in Thurrock will continue to receive their education online over the coming weeks.

Council Leader calls on residents to fight new strain of coronavirus

22 December 2020

With Thurrock now having the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in the country, Council Leader Cllr Rob Gledhill is calling on residents to make sure they are doing all they can to slow the rate of infection and to protect each other and the NHS.
Cllr Gledhill said: "The situation in Thurrock is now more serious than it has ever been and we all need to play our part to stop the spread of infection and protect the NHS.

Thurrock to be placed into tier 4 from midnight

19 December 2020

The government has announced that Thurrock will enter the new tier 4 restrictions from 0:01am on Sunday 20 December.
Some of the key rules in tier 4 will be that all non-essential retail will close, along with gyms and leisure facilities and close contact services such as hairdressers.
As well as this, people will be unable to mix with any other household indoors unless they are in a support bubble – this includes during the Christmas period, and the previously announced mixing of households from 23 December to 27 December can no longer take place.

Government to move Thurrock into tier 3

14 December 2020

The government has announced that Thurrock will be entering tier 3 restrictions from Wednesday 16 December.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close, except for takeaway and delivery services. This includes outdoor seating areas.
All other shops and businesses may remain open, along with hairdressers, barbers and other direct contact services.

Families of 11 to 18 year olds urged to book COVID-19 test

11 December 2020

Thurrock Council is calling on all parents and carers of children aged 11 to 18 to get their whole family tested for COVID-19 before Christmas.
Whether you have symptoms or not, you should book a slot to visit one of the drive through testing centres in Thurrock. If you are unable to visit a drive through site, a postal test kit can be sent to your home for you to do yourself. Both can be arranged via the national booking system: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Thurrock Council disappointed to enter Tier 2 once lockdown ends

26 November 2020

The government has announced that Thurrock will enter 'Tier 2 High Alert' restrictions once the current lockdown period comes to an end.
From midnight on Wednesday 2 December, all non-essential shops and businesses will re-open. New rules will come into force for the hospitality sector, however, which will see some venues remain closed.

Additional support for small businesses and the self-employed

23 November 2020

Thurrock Council will help small businesses with a £3.5 million grant scheme launched today, designed to help those that have not been eligible for other grants.
The Additional Restrictions Grant (Discretionary) has been created by Thurrock Council, using Government funding, to help smaller businesses which have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions and work from home or provide services from rented halls or other similar premises.

Reckless party organisers will face consequences

4 November 2020

The organisers of a party at the Pilgrims Lane traveller site could now face fines and possible eviction from the site as a result of their reckless and dangerous decision to invite more than 50 people to a party on the evening of Saturday 31 October.
Residents at the site had previously assured police officers that they had abandoned plans for the party when they were seen erecting a marquee on Friday afternoon. Instead they moved the marquee to a location where they hoped it wouldn't be spotted and pressed on with their scheme to host the illegal event.

Statement from Leader on lockdown announcement

2 November 2020

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "I’m sure everyone will be disappointed to hear about the national lockdown. The collective efforts of people across Thurrock have kept us in Tier 1, and although it is very clear that whilst most people are complying with the rules, the disease is spreading nationwide.