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Coronavirus advice and information

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COVID-19

Visit the Gov.uk, Public Health England (PHE) and NHS for the latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).

In March 2020, we produced a Community Support Handbook (PDF) full of helpful advice and support, which you may still find useful.

Essex County Council providing useful updates across the county.

Public Health England has translated information on COVID-19 into 40 languages, for more information, visit NHS translations.

Getting tested

Free tests for coronavirus from the NHS have now ended for most people in England. A small number of people who are at high risk from coronavirus will still be able to get free tests. You can read more about the new testing guidance from the NHS.

NHS COVID-19 app

The NHS COVID-19 app helps with:

  • test and trace
  • alerts you if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 
  • information on symptoms
  • keeping track of your isolation countdown
  • accessing your digital COVID-19 pass

The app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores. Search for NHS COVID-19 app.

Find out information on requirements and support for businesses by visiting Essex County Council.

COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme

The Government Test and Trace Support Payment has ended. Further information is available on our COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme web page.

COVID-19 vaccine

Everyone aged 5 and over is being urged to arrange a jab if they have not had one as the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme, the biggest in health service history, begins the final push to protect the country.

Children aged 12-15 have been offered two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as part of the schools vaccination programme.

For more information about the vaccine roll out in Essex visit NHS COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Essex

Community help hubs

Do you need help with shopping, a friendly phone call, picking up medicines or other urgent supplies?

Community Help Hubs are here to support you

Across the Borough...

In wards (office hours only)...


Mental health support...

  • For crisis advice and support call NHS 111, press option 2
  • Vita Minds - 01268 977171 8am-8pm Mon-Fri and 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday
  • Samaritans - call 116123
  • Age UK Advice Line - 0800 6781602
  • Citizens Advice Brentwood -Free phone 0808 2787877 9-5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings
  • Thurrock and Brentwood MIND - 01277 503219, 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Fri, 9am-1pm Sat.

If you are interested in local volunteering opportunities visit www.brentwoodcvs.org.uk or call 01277 222299

How can you help 

  • Keep up to date with information and public health advice
  • Download and share the Community Support Booklet
  • Please try to pay, report or apply for services online

Register to become a NHS volunteer

Vaccine site volunteers required to help with marshalling and supporting less mobile residents around the site as well as handling out refreshments and chatting whilst they have their jab and are observed by clinical staff. Telephone Brentwood Mutual Aid on 01277 424 953 for further information.

Ideas for keeping healthy

Your data during the coronavirus crisis

We have prepared a privacy notice (pdf) to advise how we will deal with your data during the current Coronavirus crisis.

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