The Leader began his statement and informed Members and residents that the level of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant was rising around the UK, with the first case officially being in detected in Thurrock. He explained that the Council would be working with health agencies to prevent the spread of Omicron and processes had already been put in place to manage the case identified within Thurrock. He explained that government guidance had changed on 30 November 2021, and had again changed 30 minutes before the start of the Cabinet meeting, extending the use of face coverings from Friday. The Leader stated that some media outlets had recently reported incorrectly on mask wearing guidance, as masks were currently only mandatory in shops and on public transport, unless exempt. He stated that there was currently no legal requirement to wear masks on the street or in offices, although mask wearing guidance would be updated from Friday. He explained that people who were exempt from wearing masks did not need to show proof of this, such as written evidence or ID, but could wear a lanyard to show their status if they felt it was appropriate. He stated that although the situation regarding COVID-19 felt the same as last year, the situation was different this year as the majority of people were now vaccinated, which offered protection against the virus. He urged residents to be safe when meeting family and friends over the Christmas period, such as by opening windows and doors to allow for ventilation, and being considerate of others wearing masks or social distancing. He stated that COVID rates in Thurrock had increased from 616 per 100,000 last week to 1082 per 100,000 this week, which meant that Thurrock was currently the 21^st highest upper tier local authority in terms of COVID rates. He stated that the under 49 age group currently accounted for 86% of all COVID cases in the borough, and this was also the age group with the lowest vaccine uptake. He stated that the government had recently extended the booster vaccine scheme for those aged 40 and over, and urged all residents to get the booster jab when offered.

The Leader moved on and stated that the Council had recently set-up a Shop Local Scheme, which encouraged local residents to shop locally and shop safely over the Christmas period. He stated that 30 small businesses had now signed up to the scheme, and free parking in Council car parks for every Saturday during December had also been agreed. He added that he had recently met with Council officers and the police in Grays high street and train station where they had been liaising with the public and asking where local residents felt safe and unsafe, to ensure resources were being distributed to the best places. He commented that this was an ongoing programme which would help tackle crime around the borough.

The Leader highlighted that this was the last Cabinet meeting before Christmas and wished everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.