The man in charge of handling the coronavirus pandemic in Southend is calling for caution ahead of the easing of lockdown.

Southend Council's director of health, Krishna Ramkhelawon, says close contact with others still carries a risk of spreading the virus and wants people in the borough to take it steady next week.

From Monday, hugging and close contact will be permitted again, while households will also be allowed to mix indoors for the first time since mid- December.

Other changes to the rules will mean restaurants and pubs can serve customers inside, while enterainment and leisure facilities can also reopen.

The Government is urging people to think about who they are coming into close contact with and Mr Ramkhelawon has echoed the plea is a message to the people of Southend.

He said: "Further easing of lockdown measures is fantastic news for residents, visitors and our local economy.

"Please be mindful that close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and others. Some people are more vulnerable to Covid than others.

"Therefore, continue to exercise caution and where appropriate consider using the hands, face, space, fresh air approach.”

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To ensure the borough is ready for the easing of restrictions, Southend Council has been running Operation Heatwave since March.

The plan aims to help visitors plan their visit, dispose of litter responsibly, find available parking spaces and stay safe.

Trevor Harp, the council's health and adult social care boss, said: “Covid-secure rules will also remain for the workplace and businesses, such as in shops and hospitality.

"The council has engaged with businesses and stakeholders offering advice and considerations about reopening safely and responsibly.

"Guidance includes how to run a covid-secure establishment such as risk assessments, use of face coverings, social distancing, one-way systems, number restrictions, use of electronic payment, pre-booking and test and trace information.

"A dedicated regulatory service email is also in place to provide advice for businesses who may have positive test results in their workforce.”

The council is also urging residents to make use of rapid Covid-19 self-test kits.

They can be collected from pharmacies or the following libraries:

• Southchurch library

• The Forum, Southend-on-Sea

• Westcliff-on-Sea library

• Kent Elms library

• Leigh-on-Sea library

Visit www.southend.gov.uk/gettested for more information.