#StaySafeEssex – Spread this message, not the virus
Cases of coronavirus are continuing to rise in Essex and the virus shows no signs of going away.
In his latest update, Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex thanks you all for what you have done so far but outlines how important it is that we all come together now to do more.
Transcript:
“Hello, I’m Roger Hirst, your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Together, as a county, we have done a great job so far in controlling the virus, protecting vulnerable people in our communities and staying alert to the dangers of COVID-19.
Our emergency services, our health care professionals and all of our key workers have been there for us. They have done amazing things to keep us safe.
But we all need to do more now.
In the last few days I have heard of the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 have passed a million globally now and nationally large sections of our country are already facing extra restrictions. Here in Essex we now have two areas, Brentwood and Epping, where the infection rate is growing too quickly.
Through your hard work Essex has kept its infection rate below the national average.
It is now time to make sure each of us is doing what we need to do to keep us all safe.
Where you can work from home, keep your distance and if you can’t then wear a face mask please. Keep washing your hands and self-isolate when asked to if you have symptoms.
The government have also recently launched the track and trace app so if you can, please download it and use it.
As we start to see the level of infections increase and each of us does more to help control the virus, I believe it is right that the government have announced stricter enforcement measures to tackle the small minority of people who continue to choose not to play their part.
I am proud of what we have achieved together as a county, but it is right that the small minority of people who continue to flout the rules shouldn’t face stronger enforcement, of course they must. There are larger fines and let’s be fair, the rest of us need to make sure that they know it is not acceptable.
Please keep safe and remember don’t be a link in the chain of transmission in this virus, wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep a safe distance.
Thank you. Let’s spread this message, not the virus.
Let’s Stay Safe Essex.”