COVID-19: How to book a test
The Government has rapidly ramped up coronavirus testing and you can now apply for a test if you are:
- an essential worker with coronavirus symptoms
- aged 65 or over with coronavirus symptoms
- someone who cannot work from home and has coronavirus symptoms (for example, construction workers or delivery drivers)
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can apply if they live with an essential worker, a person aged 65 or over, or someone who travels to work.
You can also apply for a test if you have a clinical referral from NHS 111 online.
Coronavirus symptoms are a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Additional funding for Southend & Rochford
The Government is providing an additional £1.6 billion to local authorities so they have the resources they need to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. This money is on top of the £1.6 billion already announced in March.
Southend Borough Council has now been allocated a total of £10,456,428 and Rochford District Council £902,370 to continue providing essential services and support to those who need it the most.
Ask a question at the daily briefing
Members of the public can now submit their questions for a Cabinet Minister to answer at the daily briefing. The questions are chosen by an independent polling organisation at 10am each day. Ministers do not see the questions before the press conference and the Government is not involved in choosing questions.
To submit yours, go to: www.gov.uk/ask
Virtual Parliament
On Wednesday, I took questions from MPs not from the House of Commons Dispatch Box, but from my desk at home in Southend. Due to social distancing measures, the number of MPs allowed in the chamber is limited. Instead, a “virtual” Parliament has been set up, with screens installed inside the Commons to allow MPs to take part in debates using video calling from home. Click here to re-watch. (Thankfully the WiFi held up!)
Useful contacts
- Latest Government advice and support: gov.uk/coronavirus
- Health guidance: nhs.uk/coronavirus
- Local support for businesses and residents in Southend: southend.gov.uk/coronavirus
- Local support for businesses and residents in the Rochford District: rochford.gov.uk/coronavirus
- Southend Coronavirus Action: 01702 212 497
- Essex Welfare Support: 0300 303 9988
- Rochford District Community Response Hub: 01268 779 999
Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter.
Please continue to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
James Duddridge MP
Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East
