THURROCK has been placed in the lowest of three tiers of alert under new coronavirus guidance initiatives announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon.

The borough is among the lowest in the country for infections and deaths and has been placed in the 'medium' tier.

The new grading system for imposing restrictions ranks regions as being at a 'medium', 'high' or 'very high' alert level.

There will be no change to current restrictions in force in Thurrock which include only being able to socialise in groups of up to six and pubs and restaurants having to close at 10pm.

Rules on weddings and funerals will also stay the same and shops, schools and leisure centres can also stay open.