The major incident declared in Essex in December has been ended as the NHS is now in "a stable condition" across the county.

The major incident was declared by the Essex Resilience Forum (ERF) on 29 December in response to the county's health services becoming in danger of being overwhelmed. The move meant that the county could ask the Government for help.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 2 February) the forum agreed the decision to stand down the major incident.

Local leaders from the ERF - a group that comprises the NHS, blue light responders and local authorities - pulled together to help the NHS and local authority services who were facing immense pressure.

Although local NHS services are still facing pressure, it was agreed that the systems that have been put in place, alongside the national lockdown - and falling infection rates across the county - mean that a state of greater stability has been reached.

Anthony McKeever, Executive Lead for Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, said: "It has taken a considerable effort by our teams throughout health, care and beyond to begin to turn the tide in our fight against coronavirus.

"Strong partnerships supported us to respond effectively when significant numbers of our residents needed hospital care for coronavirus, exceeding far beyond those seen at the peak of the first wave.

"Through the support of our local communities, the rates of infection are beginning to drop, which in turn supports the NHS to continue to care for those most in need.

"Pressures persist and the threat has not gone away yet. So, there is much still to be done. I thank all those hard-working colleagues who continue to work tirelessly in extremely difficult circumstances.

"They need us all to follow the rules so that partners across Essex can keep working together to support delivery of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme."

Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and Co-Chair of the Essex Local Resilience Forum, Rick Hylton, said: "When the major incident was declared, the pressures on the health system were mounting. Today, Essex Resilience Forum has agreed to

supporting our communities across Essex.

"Our ask is that Essex residents continue to do the right thing. You have been magnificent and are only dialling 999 or attending A&E in an emergency – we need this to continue because this will help protect the capacity available at our hospitals. Please stay safe; work from home if possible, follow the social distancing rules, and only travel if absolutely necessary."