Keeping Essex Safe
Here is the latest update from Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, following his weekly briefing with Kit Malthouse MP, Minister for Policing and the Fire Service. Roger also receives regular updates from leaders from Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Today he urges people not to visit Essex this weekend and to stay home. He also covers how local councils are protecting our most vulnerable residents, he thanks all the volunteers and the people who are all working so hard as well as outlining the dangers of fraud. He also covers the importance of people giving our firefighters space and thanks the joint service education teams who have moved so quickly to place their educations resources online.
His key message again though: * Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives*
You can watch his message below:
A full transcript of the update is below:
“Hello, I am Roger Hirst the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex. I would like to thank you all for your outstanding contribution so far, adhering to the social distancing guidelines, staying at home protecting the NHS and saving lives. It looks as though this is going to be a really good weekend for the weather, sunny and bright, please stay home. Essex’s beauty spots, the beaches will still be here after the crisis, it is important that you are too.
“Many of us will already have lost a loved one or someone in our circle of friends within the last week. The more we adhere to the social distancing rules, the fewer victims there will be. The police do have the powers to enforce, they will be using them appropriately, engaging, explaining and encouraging people to stay home but ultimately, they have to appeal to our good sense, and ultimately, it’s down to us how this plays out. Please go beyond the legal requirements, avoid contact as much as you can, don’t wait to be asked.
“I would also really like thank those of you who are key workers or who volunteered to help those in your communities to stay safe. Those of you who are continuing to work hard, protecting us, keeping us safe and ensuring we all get the food and services we need. Essex is really coming together. It is amazing to hear about the examples of people volunteering, offering their service each and every day.
“This week Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding members of the public that while our firefighters are out and about and will be here when you need them, please don’t come too close. We need to look after our firefighters so that they can continue to look after you and maintaining social distance will help us do that. They have seen a slight increase in the number of house fires over the last week as more people spend longer at home. Please remember to keep safe in your homes. If you need to know more visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk and their social media pages for advice.
“A big piece of work led by our councils over the last week has been the identification of the most vulnerable, and working with the NHS, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Thurrock Council have now contacted and where necessary provided food and supplies for that group. “By the way, we still need more PPE. If you are a small business that has supplies please get in contact with those councils and let them know what you have.
“Over the coming week the NHS will also be contacting people over the age of 70, pregnant women and those with underlying health problems. That group will also be offered support and the councils have been busy working with volunteers to ensure that support is available to those who need it.
“Another issue to raise is around fraud. The national organisation Action Fraud, responsible for tackling fraud has reported a 400 per cent increase in fraud related to COVID-19. We know that there has been huge increase in activity. Please be careful. Keep an eye on Action Fraud’s website www.actionfraud.police.uk, the Essex Police social media channels and through the other social media channels that you trust. We are working hard to highlight examples as we become aware of them, but if in doubt please be careful and check with someone you trust before doing anything.
“I would also like to congratulate the joint Fire & Rescue Service and Essex Police Education Teams who have moved incredibly quickly to place their educational materials on-line so lessons normally delivered in schools across Essex on fire safety and online safety can be delivered out to young people in the current environment. We are the first in the country to do this and have received national recognition for it, fantastic work from all involved – thank you.
“All the services in Essex are working hard to ensure that we are ready to protect the vulnerable, follow Government guidance and keep our normal services going. Keep safe and remember Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives.”
