Updated:
7:32 AM December 30, 2020
A 'major incident' has been declared in Essex due to the rising levels of Covid-19
- Credit: SARAH LUCY BROWN
Local authorities in Essex have declared a “major incident” as the number of coronavirus cases puts health services in the county under further pressure.
The announcement has been made in response to a “significant growing demand” on hospitals across the county and will allow the county to seek more from the government, the Essex Resilience Forum (ERF) said.
The ERF – which is made up of members of the NHS, emergency services and local authorities – said the number of patients in Essex receiving treatment for coronavirus had now increased to levels exceeding those seen at the peak of the first wave.