THURROCK residents wake up to an unprecedented situation this morning (Tuesday, 17 March) following last night's dramatic change of position by the government.

Normal life was put on hold for up to a year last night after Prime Minister Boris Johnson was told that it was the only way to save a quarter of a million lives.

In restrictions unprecedented in peacetime, the prime minister urged Britons not to go to pubs and theatres, to work from home if they could, and to stop non-essential travel.

However, as yet this is not mandatory!

There remains a lack of clarity and information from public bodies about what is permissible, what is a matter of choice and what is happening.

Powers to enforce the restrictions will be used if needed, but Mr Johnson said: "Most people would accept that we are a mature and grown-up and liberal democracy where people understand very clearly the advice that is given to them."

He added that the "very draconian measure" was "overwhelmingly worth it" to save lives and stop the NHS being overwhelmed after the death toll rose to 55 yesterday.

Immediately he was criticised for the lack of protection offered to businesses, many of whom say they do not know how they can cope in terms of insurance and compensation because nothing is mandatory.

Volunteer organisations and charity groups, who may not have the capacity to communicate quickly to a widespread audience may find it difficult to get their message across.

Thurrock Nub News is here to help. Please contact us directly via email ([email protected]), the NUBIT button on our website or call 07885313535 and we will help spread your messages to the thousands of people who visit our site and social media platforms daily.

We are checking, as best we can, everything that is happening locally and we will pass on that news.

For example, we can tell you that Thurrock Courts' Players' production of Vicar of Dibley 2 in May is off.

A statement from the company last night said: "With the decision by the government to advise all theatres to close with immediate effect we have taken the decision to postpone Vicar of Dibley until at least Autumn.

"Obviously we will hopefully have more positive news in the near future but until then all Courts activities are frozen. If you have already bought tickets then please hang on to them as they will be honoured for the future.

"Thank you for supporting Courts and we will return as soon as possible."

But as yet the TOPS production at the theatre due to start tomorrow is still listed as on.

And the company has yet to comment. We are sure they will and we will help spread the word ASAP.

Please contact us with all your information and we will help get your messages across. We are in this together.

Latest health and guidance: Click here

Council chief's message