News | Thurrock Council

Action to take to stop the spread of COVID-19

1 September 2020

Everyone in Thurrock needs to play their part to stop the spread of coronavirus. COVID-19 infection rates in Thurrock are low compared with the rest of the country, but it is important that all residents know what action to take to keep this rate down.

Assumptions based on coronavirus app data dismissed as 'scientifically unsound'

19 August 2020

Thurrock Council has hit out at claims made by the developers of the unofficial COVID Symptom Study app that the borough should be classed as a 'coronavirus hot-spot' after just 3 people posted information to it saying they thought they had COVID-19 symptoms.
Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "It's a shame that such scientifically unsound data from a tiny sample of self-selected app users should be used to spread fear and misinformation.

Statistics report creates false impression of excess deaths in Thurrock

5 August 2020

A simplistic look at excess death rates has created a false impression that Thurrock has seen an extremely high number of excess deaths during the coronavirus pandemic.
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show excess deaths in Thurrock peaked in the week ending 17 April, with 286% more deaths than usual. Those figures, however, include the 39 men and women who were tragically discovered in Eastern Avenue, Grays last October. Their deaths were not formally registered until 11 April 2020, following the proceedings of an inquest by HM Senior Coroner.

Test and Trace for Thurrock

3 July 2020

Thurrock Council is working with NHS Test and Trace to ensure anyone that has symptoms of COVID-19 is tested quickly and plans are in place to prevent the virus spreading in the borough.
In addition to the national testing programme, Thurrock Council's Outbreak Control Plan sets out a local strategy to prevent and control COVID-19 in Thurrock. It is primarily focused on preventing, monitoring and reducing the spread of COVID-19 at a local level.

Stay alert and stay safe as more businesses open this weekend

2 July 2020

Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill is urging residents to stay alert as pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and hairdressers are able re-open this weekend.
Cllr Gledhill said: "I am pleased to see that even more businesses are able to open as we continue making strides in beating this pandemic. I know many people are looking forward to having a drink or a meal out and visiting the hairdressers.

Leader urges all to stay alert ahead of shops reopening

12 June 2020

Thurrock Council's Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, is urging everyone to respect social distancing guidance when travelling to or visiting the high street as non-essential stores are set to reopen on Monday 15 June.
Cllr Gledhill said: "Our high streets and shopping areas are at the heart of our communities and I am pleased that residents will be able to return to their local shops to kickstart the high street back in to business as the pandemic lockdown eases.

Council meetings available online

2 June 2020

Thurrock Council will take advantage of video conferencing technology to enable certain council meetings to take place while ensuring social distancing rules are strictly followed.
Meetings will be held either:

Thurrock to receive payment from 'Reopening High Streets Safely Fund'

26 May 2020

Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, has welcomed news that the council will receive over £155,000 from the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, to help kick-start the high street back in to business as the pandemic lockdown eases.
Cllr Gledhill said: "The government has done everything possible to keep residents safe and support business through this terrible pandemic. So far Thurrock businesses have benefited from nearly £60m of business rates relief, and Government has allocated over £23m in grants to help small businesses and those in the entertainment industry.

New initiative aims to inspire residents' creativity at home

4 May 2020

Thurrock Council and Stronger Together Thurrock are calling on residents to share their lockdown arts or cultural activities to help communities keep physically and mentally active.
The new online portal, Stronger Together Thurrock Arts and Culture, launched on Monday 4 May and aims to provide fun and stimulating activities for residents to make, watch and learn in isolation at home.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We have seen some marvellous examples of what people are doing up and down the country and now it is time for Thurrock to shine.

Flag flies in Thurrock to honour our NHS

30 April 2020

A flag has been raised at Thurrock Council's Civic Offices in Grays this morning (Thursday 30 April) in support of the tireless dedication of NHS workers.
The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Terry Piccolo, initiated the raising of the 'Thank you NHS' flag to acknowledge the commitment shown by key workers to protect and support the borough's residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.