News Release – Maldon District Council – Coronavirus Impacts

Coronavirus Impacts

Cllr Adrian Fluker, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: “Our overwhelming priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff and community during the coronavirus outbreak

“It is vitally important that we adhere to the social distancing rules to stop the virus spreading and this has meant that we have had to make a number of difficult decisions, and this is likely to continue.

“Disruption to and in some cases the suspension of, some of our services is inevitable but, I know the public will understand the position we are facing in order to stem the spread of coronavirus and protect our NHS from coming under intolerable pressure.

 “The latest information is available on this page and our social media channels, so please keep up to date on the situation in the District, as changes are being announced almost daily”.

Latest Impacts (as at 24 March 2020)

Following the announcements by the Prime Minster on 23 March, please see the latest impacts on our services

Parks and Open Spaces

We have closed vehicular access to Promenade Park as from today (24 March). 

Anyone who continues to visit our Parks and Open spaces on foot, MUST follow the Governments social distancing guidance of keeping at least 2 metres apart.

Pay and Display Car Park Machines

In order to protect the health and safety of our customers and staff our car park machines will only accept payment by card or mobile phone app (www.myringgo.co.uk)

Council Committee Meetings

All meetings of the Council have been suspended.

Following an extraordinary meeting of the Council on 17 March 2020, the Council has agreed that all Council, Committee, Sub-Committee, Working Groups and all like meetings be suspended with immediate effect for the time being.


Council Offices

Further to the very latest Government advice regarding the Coronavirus COVID-19, the Council offices have closed with immediate effect (24 March).

Please DO NOT visit the Council offices in Princes Road. Instead please contact us using our online form and if the matter is extremely urgent by telephone on 01621 854477. Thank you for your understanding at this challenging time.

Public Toilets

All public toilets have been closed as from today (24 March) with the exception of the RADAR scheme toilets

Play Areas

All play areas have been closed as from 23 March in line the Government guidance

Waste, Recycling, Garden and Food Waste Collections

Should any changes be made to the Refuse, Recycling or Garden Waste collection services undertaken by our contractor SUEZ, we will ensure that we provide updates on social media and our website. The Love Essex website will also provide some latest update

Bulky Waste Collections

There will be NO new bookings for bulky waste collections but those which have already been booked and paid for, will be honoured. 

Green Garden Waste Collections

The collections for existing green waste subscribers will continue for the time being. However, we cannot take on any new subscribers as our contractor is unable to acquire the new vehicle which is needed. 

Planning

There will be no pre-application service offered at this current time

Pest Control Service

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer pest control appointments, but our pest control officer is happy to offer telephone advice please make a request for a call back via our online form

Events

Owing to advice from National Government regarding Covid19, the Council has made the decision to suspend all events in our parks and open spaces until the end of June 2020 and this decision will be under continuous review as the situation and advice evolves.

However, at this time, our parks will remain open to the public but ask that all visitors to the parks adhere to current advice regarding social distancing.

Splash Park and Beach Huts, Promenade Park

Due to the coronavirus outbreak the splash park will remain shut until further notice

Please go to www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk for more information

Community Support – COVID-19 – Community Pack

Organisations from across the Maldon District are coming together to ensure that our Community is supported throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. You can download a copy here.

As you will have heard, local Councils are being asked to support and coordinate community hubs which will distribute food and supplies via volunteers and key workers. We are currently working with our partners to establish this, in anticipation of the guidance from the Government.

Business Support and Business Rates Budget Announcement

The Government has published their latest advice and support measures for people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19, with further guidance and information in the coming days and weeks.

The Council is working to implement these measures and to support our local businesses as efficiently as possible. We recognise this is a concerning time for our residents and businesses alike and the situation is changing on a daily basis.

At this time, it is not necessary for businesses to contact the Council in regard to these support measures and doing so may divert our team and delay implementation of the forthcoming support. We ask that you continue to remain patient and calm, look after yourselves, family and neighbours.

Please follow the advice of the Government and NHS. We will endeavour to continue to bring you the most up-to-date advice via our website and social media.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have published coronavirus guidance for employees, employers and businesses. Visit the BEST Growth Hub for further guidance for businesses.

General information – Coronavirus in Essex

The latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Public Health England (PHE) and NHS websites.

Updated information on the number of coronavirus cases is published on the Public Health England (PHE) website each day at 2pm. You can also use the PHE dashboard to track coronavirus cases.

We are unable to elaborate on specific cases and where in Essex these are. This is to ensure the confidentiality of the patient is respected.

Based on current evidence, Coronavirus COVID-19 presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild. Anyone who is concerned about health symptoms is advised to follow the advice on the NHS website.

Essex County Council’s Director of Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities, Mike Gogarty said: “New cases of coronavirus is nothing unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.

“Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other.

“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible”.

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