Government and health information
COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Residents, businesses and visitors in Thurrock should follow government information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance on what to do if you think you are at risk.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests are available for everyone who lives in Thurrock.
Our Thurrock Council services page gives advice on local service changes – our Civic Offices in New Road, Grays, remain closed for the public until further notice.
Latest government information and advice
The government provides public information and guidance on the outbreak of coronavirus, including the current situation in the UK. Go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – full information
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – wearing and making face coverings
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – visiting care homes
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings
For government guidance to landlords and tenants, go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – landlord and tenant guide on renting
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – landlord and tenant guide on possession action
For further specific government information, go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – early years, schools and colleges
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – food and shopping
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – advice for people with animals
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – advice for smokers and vapers
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – what to do when someone dies during the pandemic
Latest NHS health information
The NHS provides information on how coronavirus is spread and how to avoid catching or spreading germs. Go to NHS: coronavirus (COVID-19) information.
If you're worried your child might have the virus, go to NHS: coronavirus symptoms in children.
To protect yourself and others, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital if you think that either:
- you have symptoms
- you might have been exposed to the virus
Go to NHS 111 online: coronavirus (COVID-19) advice to find out what to do if you think you have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.
Latest vaccination advice
Vaccinations are managed by the NHS, not by Thurrock Council. For information about vaccinations locally, go to NHS: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Essex. For further general information, go to NHS: Coronavirus vaccination or our vaccinations advice page.
Be alert for scam messages offering you the option to pay for a vaccination – a genuine message from the NHS will never ask for bank account or financial details.
After you receive your first injection, it can take up to 3 weeks for your body to develop some protection. It's very important you continue to follow the government's coronavirus (COVID-19) safety guidance.
Latest travel advice
The government provides guidance for people travelling within the UK and abroad. Go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – transport and travel in the UK
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – safer travel guidance for passengers
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – travel abroad
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – red, amber and green list rules for entering England
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – how to quarantine when you arrive in England
Essex Resilience Forum has published the guidance below for safe travel by taxi.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – safety tips for taxis
Outbreak control plan for Thurrock
You can download the Public Health COVID-19 outbreak control plan for Thurrock, below.
Other advice
Financial support is available for individuals, businesses and other organisations that have suffered financially due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The government has also published specialist advice for employers and staff in different types of businesses and services. Go to our coronavirus (COVID-19) business and service advice links.
You can report any business breaking government rules. This includes businesses that are opening when not permitted to do so, and open businesses that are not following government rules.
You can also report anyone that exploits the outbreak by selling products at very high prices.
Residents and businesses can get advice on fraud, scams and staying safe online.