Residents are being urged not to put themselves - and others - in danger over Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Leaders from public sector and voluntary organisations in Chelmsford have joined together to make the plea.

Coronavirus has already killed 7,097 people across the UK. It can be spread through the air when people cough or sneeze. Evidence also suggests that it can live on surfaces for some time, which makes it easier to get infected. So staying home keeps us safe. Each time we leave our homes, we risk transferring the virus to somebody else or bringing it home with us to our loved ones. For many, any illness is mild, but for some it results in hospitalisation and, for a few, even death.

The law states that people can only leave their homes if they have a reasonable excuse. This can include: to buy essential supplies, for medical needs, for exercise near your home, to help others in need, or to get to work if you can't work from home. Driving long distances to exercise e.g. to beauty spots is not a reasonable excuse, neither is meeting up with anyone you don't live with. Police have powers to enforce these rules.

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said, "This Easter we all have to focus on the fight against the coronavirus. Every time we distance ourselves from others, we are helping to stop the virus spreading. Touching things that others touch, or visiting people you don't live with, could kill. Our normal Bank Holiday activity of going out and seeing friends and family will have to wait.
"Outdoor exercise is important for mental and physical health, so our fantastic parks remain open. But Chelmsford residents need to continue to use them responsibly, observing social distancing guidelines. When the pandemic is over, we can all be relieved that we did the right thing and stayed at home."

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Wells, of Essex Police, said: "I'd like to thank the residents of Essex who are sticking to the government guidelines. By staying home, you're not only saving our NHS and protecting the health of other key workers, like our officers, but you're also acting in the best interests of your loved ones and the most vulnerable in our communities. Our officers are continuing their work to protect and serve the people of Essex. Please do us proud by staying in this Bank Holiday."

Coronavirus: Chelmsford Council taskforce to coordinate support for vulnerable

Chelmsford City Council is backing volunteers who want to help the city's vulnerable residents in the current crisis. The Council has set up a taskforce to ensure strong links between council services, the voluntary sector, and the wider community.

Overcrowding will create coronavirus crisis in prisons

Responding to reports that Public Health England and HM Prison and Probation Service have advised the Government that a reduction of 15,000 prisoners is needed to safeguard prisoners and staff during the coronavirus pandemic, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Daisy Cooper said:

Amidst the current turbulence, we wanted to let you know you still have a chance to contribute towards the Liberal Democrats election review.

Hundreds of members, constituency teams, donors, door knockers and other activists have sent in their own reflections and submissions; all have been read

The panel has been working intensively since appointment earlier in the year, and the process is a thorough one; submissions have been requested from all current MPs, all former Lib Dem MPs, as well as candidates in key target seats (both Conservative and Labour facing). All Regional Chairs have been asked for submissions, and both Welsh and Scottish parties have contributed. Many individual local organisations and party bodies have conducted their own reviews which have been subsequently sent into the panel. There have been many hours of 1-2-1 interviews between the panel and key decision-makers in the Parliamentary Party, at HQ and with other team members across the organisation, including ALDC.

A big thank you has gone out from Essex Highways to residents for the way they have responded to Government restrictions and keeping road journeys to a minimum as the Covid 19 emergency continues. Records show that there are now far fewer cars and people travelling.

The strong plea from Essex Highways is to 'Please keep it up.'

Tonight, at sundown, Jewish communities across the globe will mark the beginning of Pesach/Passover. Over the next eight days, in the UK and around the world, Jewish people will commemorate the liberation of their ancestors from slavery in ancient Egypt.

The story of Passover teaches that freedom is coming, our current situation will not last forever, and out of our trauma grows new strength

Below is an open letter written by the Council's Liberal Democrat Leader Stephen Robinson and its Chief Executive Nick Eveleigh.

Coronavirus: Letter to Chelmsford businesses

We are leading a cross-party call for improved mental health support amidst Covid-19 crisis

Social distancing means millions are now home alone, facing the prospect of only the most minimal contact with another soul for months. This isolation is likely to have a grave impact on their mental health.

Millions more, without being completely isolated, will still be struggling with the rapid changes the coronavirus has wrought upon our way of life. People's anxiety will be further fueled by concern for the health of loved ones, or stress resulting from the impact of the pandemic on jobs and livelihoods.

Given the unprecedented events we are living through, the need for mental health support could not be clearer. That's why the government must signpost the appropriate support services to every household, and adequately fund the charities that provide those services.

Social distancing means millions are now home alone, facing the prospect of only the most minimal contact with another soul for months. This isolation is likely to have a grave impact on their mental health.

Millions more, without being completely isolated, will still be struggling with the rapid changes the coronavirus has wrought upon our way of life. People's anxiety will be further fueled by concern for the health of loved ones, or stress resulting from the impact of the pandemic on jobs and livelihoods.

Given the unprecedented events we are living through, the need for mental health support could not be clearer. That's why the government must signpost the appropriate support services to every household, and adequately fund the charities that provide those services.

Volunteers are swinging into united action to help Chelmsford residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chelmsford City Council and the Chelmsford Voluntary Service are working together with local people to provide a complete package of support for anyone who is particularly isolated or in difficulty. The organisations are part of Essex Community Shield, the countywide effort to get supplies, advice and aid to those who need it most.