The county's director of public health has urged residents to stick to Covid safety guidelines as restrictions start to ease - with the infection rate in Maldon district and across the county now levelling off, rather than continuing to drop.

Maldon district continues to have the lowest case rate in Essex, with 11 cases per 100,000 population in the week leading up to Saturday, 20 March. However, on 11 March that figure had fallen to 9.2, showing that - in line with the rest of the county - Covid infection levels are now standing rather still.

From Monday, 29 March, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people or two households will be allowed. It is one of several key milestones planned for the coming weeks and months, as part of the roadmap to recovery from the pandemic. However, Essex public health director Dr Mike Gogarty is asking residents to consider taking a lateral flow test before meeting up with people from other households.

In a statement released today (Wednesday, 24 March) Dr Gogarty said: "As restrictions begin to be relaxed and people start to socialise again with others, it might feel like the threat of Covid-19 is lessening and that we don't need to follow Government advice as strictly. However, this is sadly not the case.

"There are still many unknowns about new variants of Covid-19 and they may be less vulnerable to the vaccine. The best way to prevent new variants developing is to keep cases low. Therefore, it is crucial that as restrictions are eased, everyone continues to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings and washing hands often.

"We are already beginning to see infection rates levelling off, following a strong decline in numbers. The actions we take as individuals over the weeks to come will make a difference in preventing another significant rise in cases. As restrictions ease, cases will inevitably rise and therefore we are urging people to be as careful as possible and not risk losing the freedoms we are all looking forward to enjoying again."

Getting a lateral flow test before meeting people from other households

Dr Gogarty encouraged residents to make the best use of local testing facilities as meeting more people becomes possible again.

In the case of Maldon district, including Burnham-on-Crouch and the villages of the Dengie, the testing facility is at West Maldon Community Centre in Sunbury Way, Maldon, CM9 6YH. As well as walk-in appointments, residents without Covid symptoms can book in advance via the link here or by phoning 0333 772 6144.

Dr Gogarty said: "With multiple testing routes available, getting tested regularly is a simple habit to form and it will help to stop the spread enormously. And if you are positive and need to self-isolate, there is financial support available.

"From 29 March, if you are planning to meet with people outside your bubble or household, we urge you to take a lateral flow test before you do so.

"Keeping a two metre distance from those outside of your household will also prevent the risk of being identified as a close contact by Test and Trace and reduce the need for self-isolation."

The second step out of lockdown, planned for 12 April, will see all non-essential shops open. Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve food and drink outside from this date.

However, the Government has said that each step will be assessed before restrictions are lifted. The decision on each stage will be based on infection data.