FOLLOWING Boris Johnson's announcement that the further easing of pandemic restrictions is now delayed until at least 19 July, more information about the support for Essex residents and businesses will be shared by the county council tomorrow (Tuesday, 15 June).

There will also be more detail for couples who have a wedding planned during the four weeks after 21 June.

The announcement by Prime Minister Mr Johnson this evening comes following concerns about the spread of the Delta variant of Covid nationally.

In Maldon district, the variant is thought to be responsible for a rise in case numbers over the past two weeks, with 37 cases per 100,000 population recorded in the seven days up to 10 June. This is slightly lower than the national average, but the highest in the 12 districts of the ECC area, with only the unitary authority of Southend recording more at 40 per 100,000 over the same week.

There have been outbreaks in Burnham-on-Crouch, the Dengie Peninsula and in Maldon.

Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council's (ECC) Cabinet Member for Health, said: "The Government has always been clear that the dates set out in the roadmap were a guide and that any decisions would be informed by what the data tells us. The data is very clearly telling us that we need to proceed with caution.

"I share the disappointment that lots of people will no doubt be feeling today. However, the delay is a reminder to us all that the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over, although the ending of restrictions is on the horizon."

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council's Director of Public Health, said: "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of following the rules and getting vaccinated when it is your turn. The most severe cases we're seeing in hospital at present involve individuals who have not been vaccinated or who have only had one dose.

"It is vital that people do not make up their own rules or believe their actions won't make a difference. Everyone's behaviour is crucial to us managing the spread of the virus.

"I am urging everyone to follow the guidance, test regularly and get both doses of the vaccine when it's your turn. By doing this, we will keep Covid in check."

More information about the support available for Essex residents and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic is available on ECC's Coronavirus Hub at the link here.