22nd May 2020
Visitors reminded public transport is for essential journeysAhead of the Bank Holiday Weekend, c2c, Greater Anglia and myself have been reminding those who may be tempted to travel to Southend this Bank Holiday weekend that trains and other modes of public transport are running for essential journeys only.
Government advice remains that people must stay at home as much as possible.
"Even though we're running our full timetable, social distancing means that capacity on our trains remains extremely limited. Our staff are working hard to provide a service for people making essential journeys to work, including weekend workers. We cannot be more clear: please do not use c2c for leisure journeys at this time."
- Julian Drury, c2c Managing Director.
Read more here.
Got symptoms? Get tested
The UK is now testing more than virtually any other country in Europe, and you can now ask for a coronavirus test:
- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms
For further information on how to book a test, click here.
Health services over the Bank Holiday
With the long weekend approaching, here's a guide to the health services available to you over the Bank Holiday. Reminder: Do not visit your GP surgery in person unless you're invited to do so.
Mental health support
A new crisis mental health phone line has launched in Essex, which provides immediate and specialist support to adults experiencing a mental health crisis, 24-7.
Anyone in need can dial 111 at any time and select the option for mental health crisis (option 2).
The NHS' Every Mind Matters website also has tips and advice for looking after your mental wellbeing, particularly during the pandemic, click here for more.
#RochfordDistrictUnites
Who has been your unsung hero throughout the coronavirus outbreak? Rochford District Council wants to hear your stories and help celebrate the many Good Samaritans in our local community. To get involved and find out more, click here.
Useful information for your Bank Holiday
The Government has put together a page which answers key questions to help you follow the rules this Bank Holiday weekend. Click here for the coronavirus FAQs page.
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
Please continue to stay alert this weekend so we can save lives.
James Duddridge MP
Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East
