THURROCK Council leader Rob Gledhill has issued a grave message to borough residents, telling them they must obey coronavirus rules because the region is in a 'terrifying situation'.

Cllr Gledhill spoke up this evening (Wednesday, 23 December), with a Christmas message warning of the dire consequences ahead unless Covid-19 can be stopped.

He says: ""Right now more than one in a 100 people in Thurrock have COVID-19. If it continues spreading at this rate it will be one in 50 before the New Year. When we came out of lockdown just three weeks ago 206 per 100,000 tested positive. Today that figure has increased six-fold to 1,196.

"I am again calling on all residents to do more to slow the spread of coronavirus.

"What we have learned changes everything. The new strain of virus is passed on easier from person to person - putting more residents at risk of contracting the virus.

"Thurrock is facing a situation every bit as grave as that which we faced in March this year and we must all react appropriately.

"We all need to be cautious, only make journeys if they are absolutely essential and abide by the government advice for tier 4 restrictions.

"We must now all act as if everyone we come in contact with has the virus and do everything we can to limit our exposure to it. By taking hands, face, space advice seriously, irrespective of location, and isolating when required we can become part of the solution.

"Being in Tier Four with the highest infection rate in the country isn't something we can ignore. We all need to take personal responsibility to help reduce the pressure on the NHS."

A council statement says: "The overall rate in the borough is doubling every five days and the rate of infection in the over 60s, who are more likely to suffer a serious illness as a result of contracting COVID-19, has nearly tripled in just a week.

"The rate of infection is growing. The rate among children aged 11 to 18 years-old has doubled in the last week and nearly doubled for adults aged between 18 and 49 years-old.

"There is a similar picture for many authorities throughout the south east including our immediate neighbours in Basildon and Havering.

"This is not the news any of us wanted for Christmas but it is the reality of the situation we are in. The pandemic has now entered a new phase and unless we make sure we are doing what we can to slow the rate of infection the NHS could easily become overwhelmed.

"Basildon Hospital services are now under unprecedented demand, the number of people needing treatment in hospital and in intensive care for COVID-19 is rising rapidly. The hospital has been forced to pause some planned surgery, giving priority to patients with the greatest clinical need and cancer patients."

Cllr Gledhill concludes: "We all need to be cautious, caring and considerate and make sure we stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to go out. If we do go out we diligently follow the advice and go above and beyond in protecting ourselves and others.

"I know this a difficult message, especially at this time of year, but I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas."