AS a small rise was recorded in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock today, the borough council has warned people about relaxing their 'lockdown' – and reminded residents that as of Monday there will be no more brown bin collections until further notice.

That ties in with the fine weekend weather that is being predicted as the council is asking people to put garden waste in with their normal green or black bins for collection.

The latest figures from Public Health England show that there are 83 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thurrock, four up on yesterday's tally. In Stanford-le-Hope the local community is mourning the passing of popular local publican and restaurateur Gino Renoldi, whose death is being linked with the virus and prompted a deep clean at the Hassengate Medical Centre here he was taken ill.

Nationally more than 38,000 people now testing positive across the country. A total of 3,605 people confirmed to have had the virus have died.

The actual number of people with the respiratory infection in the UK is estimated to be much higher though - as only those in hospital are currently tested. About 135,000 people in the UK have so far been tested and found not to have the virus.

'Resist the temptation'

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has spoken about how important it is going to be this weekend to resist the temptation to take advantage of the expected hot weather.

He says: "I cannot emphasis enough how important it is that everyone continues following the social distancing rules.

"I know they are forecasting a sunny weekend but we are reaching a time in this situation when it is becoming more important than ever to follow the guidance.

"Many people will be tempted to head out as normal this weekend but you absolutely shouldn't.

"By going out you will put the most vulnerable members of our community at appalling risk of catching what for them could be a deadly disease. It can only help spread the virus and possibly prolong the amount of time we all have to observe these restrictions.

"It is up to all of us to play our part in stopping the spread of coronavirus as the nation faces the most difficult situation we have seen in many of our lifetimes."

Brown bins won't be collected until further notice

Meanwhile the council has reminded residents that from Monday 6 April brown bins will not be collected until further notice.

Green or grey bins and blue bins will be collected on their usual day. Food waste and a small amount of garden waste can be disposed of in the green or grey bin.

The Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre is closed until further notice as social distancing cannot be safely maintained at the site.

Furthermore, the council has reminded residents of the financial measures it has put in place to help alleviate the crisis.

The council has pledged to support residents who may face difficulty paying their Council Tax bill because they are suffering financial hardship as a result of the actions introduced to slow the spread of coronavirus.

• Self-employed workers who are waiting for a grant under the government scheme announced last week will be able to defer Council Tax payments until July. Missed Council Tax instalments will need to be paid. Self-employed people who wish to take advantage of this deferral option should click here and complete the online form.
• Residents waiting for a Council Tax Support Assessment are able to defer making payments towards their current year's Council Tax until their application has been assessed. Universal Credit claimants can apply for a discount of up to 75% on their Council Tax bill. Anyone who makes a new application for Universal Credit should also consider making a claim for Council Tax Support. Those waiting for a Council Tax Support claim to be assessed can opt to withhold payment towards their current Council Tax until a decision has been made on their application.
• Where any other household is experiencing loss in income, and may need assistance, those residents are also advised to apply for both Universal Credit and Council Tax Support. Council Tax Support can provide up to a 75% reduction in Council Tax . Further details on how to claim can be found at thurrock.gov.uk/benefits.

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