 Face coverings protect others From today (24 July) you must to wear a face covering by law in the following settings: shops supermarkets indoor shopping centres public transport banks, building societies, and post offices transport hubs (such as airports, stations and terminals) Face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11, those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments. ► Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own ► Latest message from Cllr John Lodge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council Leisure centres set to reopen  With the lifting of lockdown restrictions, there will be a phased reopening of the three leisure centres in the district. Great Dunmow Leisure Centre and Lord Butler Leisure Centre will be reopening on Monday 27 July on reduced opening hours. Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre will be reopening on reduced opening hours on Monday 10 August. A phased reopening is planned for services in the centres over the next few months. For further details, please check the 1Life page for each centre: Lord Butler Leisure Centre Great Dunmow Leisure Centre Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre Shop local, shop safe  Please support our retailers by shopping local and safely – maintain social distancing at all times, wear a face covering, and follow the signage that is in place to protect you and others. ► Advice for shoppers – how to stay safe while out shopping, where to park and getting further updates as new businesses open up ► Advice for businesses – which businesses can open, when you can open and how to work safely. Survey: have your say on temporary road closures in Saffron Walden  The Saffron Walden Business Improvement District is asking for people’s views on the closure of the Market Square to traffic during the pandemic. There are only a few questions so it should not take long to complete. ► Take part in the survey Thinking of starting a food business from your home? Please remember that you must register your business at least 28 days before you start trading. Food premises registration is a legal requirement, and failure to do so could result in legal proceedings. There is no fee for registration. You can register online or print a registration form on our website. Libraries update  A further seven libraries are now open, including Thaxted. Please note, the number of customers allowed in a library at any one time will be reduced to help people stay safe. Time spent in the library will also be limited. You can find out more information about our safety measures or watch a video on what to expect. Cut your energy costs  The Essex Energy Switch, a countywide initiative designed to help residents reduce their gas and electricity bills, saved an average of £258 for each of the 1,644 households who took part when the scheme ran earlier this year. In October the cycle starts again, when energy companies will once again bid at an auction to see who can offer the lowest energy tariff to households who have signed up. You can register any time from 4 August until 5 October. ► Find out more It’s competition time!  Love Essex is giving away a plastic-free picnic hamper to one lucky winner that has signed the Essex Plastic Pledge this month. If you haven’t already signed up, click here and take the pledge! The competition closes at midnight on 31 July – T&Cs apply. Summer Holiday activity camp Essex Boys And Girls Clubs will be running an activity camp for 5 to 13 year olds in Uttlesford every day (Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm) of the summer holidays. The programme will take place in three locations: Monday and Tuesday at Newport Youth Club Wednesday and Thursday at Thaxted Youth Club Friday at Sampfords Youth Club The day consist of a range of fun activities and lunch. For more information, email Rebecca on rebeccas@essexboysandgirlsclubs.org. ► Book a place Click & Collect activity packs  Saffron Walden Museum’s next click and collect activity pack “Romans going Potty!” is now available to buy online. This week become a museum conservator and rebuild a Roman pot from a real pot sherd, make a mosaic and a Roman coin stamp. ► Book yours online Pack collection is from Wednesday 29 July. Email cpratt@uttlesford.gov.uk to arrange your collection. Looking after your mental health  It is important that we all take a little extra care to look after our mental health. With many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times, Every Mind Matters highlights that there are lots of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and help others to prevent any concerns they have from becoming serious issues. Protect yourself and others Handwashing plays a key role in protecting yourself and others from coronavirus. Wash your hands more often Use soap and water for 20 seconds Or use hand sanitiser ► How to wash your hands Stay alert to stay safe We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must: stay at home as much as possible work from home if you can limit contact with other people keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible) wash your hands regularly Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms. ► FAQs: what you can and cannot ► Latest NHS advice   |
