Coronavirus

We continue to monitor and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, all of our essential services are running as normal.

There are still some changes and additional information for the cemetery and crematorium, so if you’re using this service, you need to check to see what’s different.

Some shops and other businesses are choosing to encourage social distancing and facemasks. You should check with individual shops to find out their arrangements.

We will keep this page updated if there are any changes. You can refer to GOV.UK for more information on national coronavirus guidance and laws.

Coronavirus remains a serious health risk.

It’s important to stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. In England, you should:

meet up outside or if you’re indoors open windows or doors if you have visitors
take a PCR test and stay home if you think you might have COVID-19 symptoms
wear face coverings in crowded places to help protect others
check in with the NHS COVID-19 app when you’re out
wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap
get vaccinated if you are eligible

Test and Trace self-isolation payments

If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and have been told to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a self-isolation payment.

Help for businesses

You can view our coronavirus help and guidance for businesses and employers for details of Business Rates changes, business support grants and other advice.

Information for those who rent their home

The protection given to those who rent their homes during the pandemic, has now ended.

Courts and bailiffs are beginning to deal with cases where tenancy agreements are being ended by the landlord. Some may find because of changes to their circumstances, it is harder to meet the cost of paying the rent.

If you think you might be at risk of losing your home, you can contact us online or by call us on 01245 606400 and we will advise you.

You can read this useful guide on understanding the possession action process on GOV.UK.

Working with our partners, we have been able to provide an extra 40 bed spaces. We will be creating more accommodation and support throughout the rest of this year and 2022. This has helped to stop the need for anyone to sleep rough and is part of the our plan to eliminate the need for anyone to sleep rough in Chelmsford.

If you have concerns that someone might be sleeping rough you can make a referral online using StreetLink.