Government and health information
COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a type of virus called coronavirus. You should follow government coronavirus (COVID-19) information on the situation in the UK, how to stay safe, and how to help prevent its spread.
Vaccines and tests
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe, effective and give the best protection against COVID-19. Vaccinations are managed by the NHS, not by Thurrock Council. Read about vaccination safety.
Check how to get a 1st, 2nd or booster vaccination.
Go to NHS: testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) for advice on getting a test.
Latest government information and advice
The government provides public information and guidance on the coronavirus pandemic. Go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – full information
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
For advice on protecting vulnerable people, go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – 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 further general public information, go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – face coverings
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – early years, schools and colleges
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – transport and travel guidance
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – landlord and tenant guide on renting
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – advice for people with animals
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – what to do when someone dies during the pandemic
For advice to employees, businesses and services, go to:
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – financial support for businesses
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – working safely
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – actions for schools
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – overview of adult social care guidance
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – providing home care
- GOV.UK: coronavirus (COVID-19) – guidance on working in or from vehicles
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 stay safe:
- get vaccinated
- wash your hands regularly
- wear a face covering in crowded indoor places
- open windows if you're meeting indoors
- stay at home if you're unwell
- get tested and self-isolate if you need to
- download the NHS COVID-19 app
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.
Local support
Residents and businesses can get advice on fraud, scams and staying safe online.
The Thurrock Community Coronavirus Action (TCCA) partnership – which offered support to those who had to self-isolate and had no family or friends who could help – ended on 31 March 2022.
To find other local support, go to Stronger Together Thurrock: support for residents.
The Test and Trace Support payment scheme closed on 24 February 2022 and accepted final applications on 6 April 2022.
Outbreak control plan for Thurrock
You can download the Public Health COVID-19 outbreak control plan for Thurrock, below.