Shopping & Local Services

FACE COVERINGS MANDATORY IN SHOPS, SUPERMARKETS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND ENCLOSED TRANSPORT HUBS 

• Face coverings will be mandatory in additional enclosed public spaces  - including shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and transport hubs
• New measure an important step in lifting lockdown, as the public are encouraged to play their part
• Venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt
•  

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.

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.

Allotments: See allotment page.

Recreation Ground: For advice on visiting parks and open spaces such as the common visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely

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:

• There will be a maximum number of people permitted at any one time (including parents/guardians/carers) - please see www.rochford.gov.uk/playspaces for the details for each individual play space.
• Always maintain 2m social distancing
• Where possible, only one parent, carer or guardian per child
• You are advised to sanitise you're hands with 60% alcohol sanitiser before and after use of the equipment
• Where possible clean down touch points and handles before play with a disinfectant wipe
• Please be considerate to others when using the equipment
• Food and drink is prohibited inside the play area 
• Please take your litter home with you
• No dogs allowed
• Please do not travel to a play area if you have COVID symptoms and ensure you and your household self-isolate. 
• We would remind those using the equipment (and parents/guardians/carers) not to touch their faces, and to cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm when a tissue is not available.

Library

Please check individual library locations to see what services are available. https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/library-locations-and-opening-times/

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 County Council Services Update

From Thursday 5 November:

• Essex Country Parks will remain open, including car parks, children's play equipment and toilets. Some cafés will also continue to offer a takeaway service in line with government guidance. All visitors are required to follow government guidelines. More details can be found here https://www.explore-essex.com/covid-19-updates
• Outdoor spaces at Cressing Temple Barns, including the grounds and restored Tudor Walled Garden, will remain open for the benefit of local communities during the national lockdown.
• All Essex recycling centres will remain open as per current operating times. https://www.loveessex.org/find-your-nearest-recycling-centre/
• Public transport will continue to operate in line with government guidelines.
• Essex Registration Service and Blue Badge Assessmentsthat take place from libraries will continue to operate. Ceremonies of marriage or civil partnership will be unable to take place.https://www.essex.gov.uk/topic/births-ceremonies-deaths
• Essex Libraries will be closed to the public in terms of book borrowing. However, some sites will continue to offer public computer use by appointment only. Where possible the Home Library Service will continue. A new click and collect service will be put in place and more details will be shared shortly. The e-library service is still fully accessible. The mobile library service will temporarily be paused. More details can be found herehttps://libraries.essex.gov.uk/
• Essex Outdoor Centres and The Lock climbing wall will close during the national lockdown. https://www.essexoutdoors.com/
• The Essex Record Office will be closed, with certificate serviceavailable online. https://www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/visit-us/coronavirus-latest-information/

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. 

• Advice Line - Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm   0300 330 2101
• Money Advice Helpline - Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm 01277 358082
• Email via a web form - www.citizensadvicerochford.org.uk
• Support to apply for Universal Credit available from our Help to Claim service 0800 144 8444https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/helptoclaim/#h-our-help-to-claim
• Information is available 24 hours a day on www.citizensadvice.org.uk

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/places-of-worship-to-re-open-for-individual-prayer

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july 

The above information updated 04/05/21