| Targeted testing is taking place after the Omicron variant was detected in Brentwood.
Book a PCR test immediately and self-isolate for 10 days if you visited:
- KFC on Brentwood High Street between 3pm and 5pm on Thursday 18 November or 1pm and 5pm on Friday 19 November
- Trinity Church in Pilgrims Hatch on Sunday 21 November
You must have your PCR test at specific drive-through testing units. You can:
You can stop self-isolating if your PCR test returns a negative result.
If you have Covid-19 symptoms and live in the Brentwood area
Book a PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days, even if your symptoms are mild. You can stop self-isolating if your test returns a negative result.
The Omicron case has also been linked to Larchwood Primary School in Pilgrims Hatch. All pupils and staff have been contacted directly to take part in specialist testing.
Read more about the Omicron case and what you need to do in our news story.
Statement from Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health
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| Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, has urged everyone to help keep their communities safe.
“It is really important that people in Essex, and especially Brentwood, test regularly whether they have Covid-19 symptoms or not.
“This will help us to understand what, if any, spread of the new variant within the local community may have occurred and limit the opportunity for any further spread.
“It is important that everyone takes sensible precautions – get a PCR test if you have symptoms, isolate when asked, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, ventilate rooms, get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can.
“Even if you are feeling well, I would urge everyone to play their part to keep their community safe.” |
Regular self-testing even more important
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| The Essex Public Health team is asking everyone in Essex to self-test twice a week.
This is especially important for Brentwood residents. Symptoms from the Omicron variant may not be as obvious as the Delta variant.
You can order free self-test kits online or collect them from libraries or pharmacies across Essex. |
| Order or collect self-test kits |
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New Covid-19 measures now in effect
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| New temporary measures came into effect at 4am yesterday (Tuesday 30 November). They will be reviewed by the government in 3 weeks’ time. |
Face coverings required in some public spaces
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| Face coverings are now compulsory in shops, banks, post offices, hairdressers and on public transport, unless you are exempt.
Read the full list of settings which require face coverings on GOV.UK. |
Face coverings in secondary schools, colleges and universities
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| Pupils in Year 7 and above, staff and visitors are strongly advised to wear face coverings in communal areas of educational settings. |
Self-isolate if you come into contact with a suspected Omicron case
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| If you come into contact with someone who may have been infected with the Omicron variant, you must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of your vaccination status. NHS Test and Trace will contact you if this is the case. |
All arriving travellers must take a PCR test and self-isolate
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| Anyone who arrives into the country must take a PCR test within 48 hours. You must self isolate until your test returns a negative result, regardless of your vaccination status. |
Changes to our services
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| Face coverings will now be required in some of our settings including:
You may be asked to wear face coverings in other Essex County Council locations. Thank you for helping to keep customers and employees safe. |
Get the booster dose for greater protection
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| After any vaccination, your level of protection reduces with time. The booster dose will top up your protection against Covid-19 and help prevent serious illness. |
Who is eligible for the booster dose?
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You can book your booster dose if it has been 5 or more months since your second dose. You must also be either:
- at least 40 years old
- at least 16 years old with a health condition that puts you at high risk, or
- a frontline health or social care worker
If you meet this criteria, you do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS or your GP.
Boost your protection. Book your booster today.
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Get the booster dose for greater protection
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| After any vaccination, your level of protection reduces with time. The booster dose will top up your protection against Covid-19 and help prevent serious illness. |
Who is eligible for the booster dose?
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You can book your booster dose if it has been 5 or more months since your second dose. You must also be either:
- at least 40 years old
- at least 16 years old with a health condition that puts you at high risk, or
- a frontline health or social care worker
If you meet this criteria, you do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS or your GP.
Boost your protection. Book your booster today. |
Who is eligible for first and second doses?
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| Everyone aged 16 and over can book their first and second dose of the vaccine. Most children aged 12 to 15 can get their first dose.
Find out more about who can get the vaccine and how to book on the NHS website. |
Changes to the vaccine roll-out
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The NHS is working on plans to offer:
- a booster dose to everyone aged 18 years old and over by the end of January 2022
- a booster dose to people aged 16 years old and over with a severely weakened immune system
- booster doses from 3 months after the previous dose – currently it’s from 6 months after the previous dose
- a 2nd dose to all children aged 12 to 15 years old who are not already eligible
Please note that this is not yet available. Wait to be contacted by the NHS. |
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