Here s all you need to know:
Who are Freeport East? Freeport East is the name of a group consisting of businesses and local authorities, calling on the Government to assign freeport status to Harwich and Felixstowe.
What is a freeport? Freeports are areas where tax on imports is very low or waived in order to encourage economic growth and trade. If implemented in Harwich, it could mean normal tax and customs rules do not apply and imports can enter with simplified customs documentation and no tariffs. If freeport status is secured, Felixstowe and Harwich International, both owned by Hutchison Ports, would be a strategic hub linking UK importers and exporters with suppliers and customers across the world.
Advantages? It is claimed Freeport East will build on the existing ports’ excellent road and rail links although it has long been contested Harwich Port cannot be expanded until the A120 is dualled. Freeport East claims the freeport zone would attract £500 million of investment over the next five years. It would also mean imports could enter with more simplified customs documentation and no tariffs, making for what bosses believe could be a more streamlined system. Tax on imports is very low or waived in order, which, in turn, encourages economic growth and trade.
How have people reacted? Neil Stock, Tendring Council’s leader said in February 2020 the announcement of a proposed bid was a “terrific opportunity for Harwich”.
A NEW map has been released showing which parts of north Essex are at most at risk from rising sea levels. The impact of Storm Christoph, which brought flash flooding across the county, last week reminded us just how easily a few inches of rainfall can brings things to a halt. But although we hope we never see such scenes under normal circumstances, a climate change organisation has predicted what areas will be hardest-hit as sea levels continue to rise. Climate Central, which is a non-profit organisation which reports the latest climate news from across the globe, has developed this interactive map showing the predicted situation.
Even though the Cape never got a state-sponsored Stop the Spread COVID-19 testing site, there are multiple local sites where asymptomatic people can get free testing.
(Note that insurance often pays for testing for people who have symptoms or who have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.)
Whole Health Pharmacy
The independently owned pharmacy at 596 W. Main St., Hyannis has been providing free PCR testing through a partnership with the federal government since May.
About two weeks ago, Whole Health doubled the number of test slots available on test days from 60 to 120, creating more opportunity for people to get same-day or next-day testing, said pharmacist/owner Karryn Lewis.