email: enquiries@greatwakering-pc.gov.uk
Services & Information
Shopping & Local Services
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FACE COVERINGS MANDATORY IN SHOPS, SUPERMARKETS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND ENCLOSED TRANSPORT HUBS
Face coverings must be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres and transport hubs - such as train stations and airports - in England from Friday, as the government takes further steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Under the new regulations laid today, members of the public will need to wear face coverings - for example, a fabric covering, scarf or bandana - that covers the nose and mouth in additional enclosed public spaces, as well as frequent hand washing and careful social distancing.
It will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to takeaway from cafes and shops. If you are in a premises where you are able to sit down and consume food or drink that you have bought, then you can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink on site.
Face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11, those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering. There is evidence to suggest that, when used correctly, face coverings may reduce the likelihood of someone with the infection passing it on to others, particularly if they are asymptomatic.
The government is telling the public to play their part and wear face coverings in order to help fight the spread of the virus, enabling further easing of national restrictions. The responsibility for wearing a face covering sits with individuals.Businesses are encouraged to take reasonable steps to encourage customers to follow the law, including through signs and providing other information in store.
Health and Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "As we move into the next stage of easing restrictions for the public, it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fantastic retail industry this summer.
"Everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following this new guidance. I also want to thank the British public for all the sacrifices they are making to help keep this country safe." As well as shops and supermarkets, face coverings must be worn in banks, building societies and post offices. Wearing a face covering will not be made mandatory in other venues that have measures in place to protect staff and the public from COVID-19. These include:
For transport hubs in England, the requirements mean face coverings must be worn in indoor train stations and terminals, airports, maritime ports, and indoor bus and coach stations or terminals. Anyone who doesn't abide by the regulations - and is not exempt under one of the categories set out in the regulations - could face a fine by the police of up to £100, as is currently the case on public transport. The police have been very clear throughout the pandemic that they will "engage, explain, encourage and finally enforce as a last resort". People wearing face coverings are still strongly advised to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting one on or taking it off, avoid taking it off and putting it back on again a lot in quick succession, store it in a plastic bag in between washes or wearing, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth while wearing one.
Co-operative Store - whilst many large stores are able to organise special opening hours for the vulnerable the delivery system means that this is not currently an option in Great Wakering. However the Clerk has been told that any elderly or vulnerable people will be able to go to the front of any queue to avoid unnecessary social contact.
Library: Closed. See also the library page. All loans have been extended until the end of July and all overdue fees will be waived. The online reservation service is currently suspended for physical items but it's possible to reserve items from the e-Library which is available 24/7 with more titles being added. New customers who join online can access these services quickly and without needing to collect a library card. New online members can now use RBdigital and Borrowbox with their online membership number to access.thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-comics, e-magazines and e-newspapers. For as long as schools are closed, Audible is making its extensive collection of children's audio books available to stream free of charge, including titles in six different languages. For more information on ebooks and audio visit: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/e-books-e-audio-e-magazines-and-book-groups/e-books-and-e-audio/
Public Toilets: Closed
Allotments: See allotment page.
Recreation Ground: For advice on visiting parks and open spaces such as the common visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaceshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces Play Spaces Many play spaces operated by Rochford District Council will be re-opening on Saturday 4 July. You can find a list on our website www.rochford.gov.uk/playspaces Please be aware that these will be monitored, and the council will not hesitate to close them if social distancing is not maintained. To stay safe, you must adhere to the following guidance:
RDC Carparks Update Rochford District Council will be recommencing enforcement measures in the Council's pay and display car parks from Monday 1 June, 2020. Please ensure you purchase a PayByPhone session or a ticket. While the purchase of a ticket using cash will be possible, it is strongly advised that the PayByPhone payment option is used to avoid queuing and contact with coins and the ticket machines. If you haven't already registered, full information is displayed on the machines and noticeboards. To save time, please register on-line before your visit at https://paybyphone.co.uk/ Customers are reminded to follow the Government's social distancing advice at all times in the car parks. The Council continues to provide free car parking for NHS staff and social care workers until further notice. If you are one of these workers, please display supporting official evidence on the windscreen of your vehicle. If you don't have a Smartphone, you can still use the service by calling0330 400 7275 and follow the prompts to enter your details and complete the payment. If you would prefer to text send REG followed by a space and then your vehicle registration number in a text message to 65565 and you will be called back to complete the payment.
Essex Country Parks - Reopening Update Essex Country Parks reopen to the public today, 21st May. This follows the easing of restrictions to outside space and safety measures being put into place to allow us to open in line with government guidance to help keep visitors and staff safe. The parks, car parks and toilets will be open to the public, however children's play equipment, visitor centres and cafes will remain closed. Visitors will need to observe the current rules on social distancing, particularly in places that could become crowded such as the car parks and toilets. In anticipation that the parks will be busy visitors are asked to use their judgment in relation to their visit, for example considering the time of your trip so that not everyone arrives at once. Important changes to note before you visit:
For a full statement and FAQs around the reopening please visit the ECC website here https://www.explore-essex.com/covid-19-updates-may-2020
Planned gas mains works in Rochford In response to the COVID 19 crisis, Triio and Cadent will be postponing planned work and closing operations until further notice. In line with the Government's approach, they will review the situation in three weeks and take appropriate advice at that time. As soon as there is an update on resuming work, we will provide further updates. Please follow the Triio webpage on the following link for updates and information.http://triio.co.uk/rochford/http://triio.co.uk/rochford/
Citizens Advice Due to COVID 19 Citizens Advice has suspended its face to face services. For clarity below are the up to date contact details.
Places of Worship
Permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines, check with individual locations.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/places-of-worship-to-re-open-for-individual-prayer From 4th July places of worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services - including weddings with a maximum of 30 people, all subject to social distancing - check with individual locations.
The above information updated 29/07/20 |