RESIDENTS and workers all over Thurrock took time out at 8pm this evening to pay tribute to NHS workers and carers who are in the frontline of the battle against coronavirus.

In streets and apartment blocks right across the borough people took to their gardens, balconies and windows to come out in public and clap, blow horns, bang saucepans and offer their thanks.

At the Port of Tilbury dockworkers and the port police stood side by side on the quayside to pay tribute, while the catering staff on the cruise ship Saga Spirit of Discovery have baked a mountain of cakes and bread for NHS workers – and illuminate the side of the ship with a special message.

And local bus firm Ensign sent a special rainbow-decorated bus to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital loaded with Easter Eggs donated by firms across the borough.

The tributes came on the evening of a day when it was announced that number of people stricken with the virus in Thurrock has risen to 145, a daily rise of 11. Across the country there are now 65,077 confirmed cases and 9,978 deaths.

Meanwhile Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill is warning residents they should stay at home and limit contact with others as much as possible over the bank holiday weekend while the authority will be working hard to make sure critical services continue to be delivered.

He is also asking residents to join him in applauding the tremendous work being carried out by Thurrock Council's incredible teams.

Cllr Gledhill said: "Life is not carrying on as normal right now as the borough, and the country, face the most difficult situation many of us are likely to see in our lifetimes.

"This will be a Bank Holiday weekend unlike any other. This Easter the best way for you to show loved ones you care for them is to stay at home and not arrange to meet up as hard as that may be.

"If you do go out for exercise, no one should arrange to meet friends or family in the parks to socialise, have picnics or barbecues.

"Despite the current challenges, Thurrock Council has been working hard to make sure that vital services continue during this period and many of our staff and volunteers will be working hard throughout the bank holiday weekend.

"Our waste crews are out collecting bins across Thurrock, and will even be working on Good Friday and Easter Monday; while our environmental enforcement officers are keeping the borough's parks, roads and streets safe.

"Our social care teams are helping the most vulnerable residents in our community; and our finance team is working evenings and weekends to make sure Thurrock's businesses get the financial support they need quickly.

"Those are just a few examples of the incredible work being carried out by Team Thurrock.

"On top of that there are the amazing council staff, CVS colleagues and volunteers who are making sure those most at risk from COVID-19 are kept safe in their homes and have all the shopping, medicine and help they need. They will be keeping the Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action helpline open 9am to 5pm every day of the Easter weekend."

There will be no change to collections over Easter, the May bank holidays or the August bank holiday. At present just green (or black) general waste bins and blue recycling bins are being collected and they should be put out on their normal days.