Covid-19: Essex's major incident stood down

The major incident across Essex had been declared by the Essex Resilience Forum at the end of December

A major incident declared in Essex amid fears the number of Covid-19 cases could overwhelm the county's health services has been stood down.

The Essex Resilience Forum (ERF) announced the major incident at the end of December due to pressures in hospitals and social care settings.

The Forum said health systems were now "in a stable state".

It said it had taken a "considerable effort to turn the tide in the fight against coronavirus".

On Tuesday, the ERF, which includes the NHS and local authorities, agreed to stand down the major incident declaration.

Hospitals, such as Southend University Hospital, and social care settings had been in danger of being overwhelmed towards the end of December

Anthony McKeever, executive lead for Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, said: "It has taken a considerable effort by our teams throughout health, care and beyond to begin to turn the tide in our fight against coronavirus."

• Essex declares major incident over Covid cases

• Man fined £10,000 for rave in 500-year-old church

• 'One in 18 have Covid-19' in parts of Essex

He said the number of people needing hospital care for Covid-19 had been "far beyond those seen at the peak of the first wave".

"The rates of infection are beginning to drop, which in turn supports the NHS to continue to care for those most in need," he said.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Rick Hylton, said: "When the major incident was declared, the pressures on the health system were mounting. Today, Essex Resilience Forum has agreed to stand down the major incident declaration, as our health systems are in a stable state."

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [e-mail]