During these unprecedented times, both locally and globally, we wish to say thank you for the commitment, dedication and patience members of the grassroots community have collectively shown, and we wish everyone across football good health.

This is a fast-moving scenario which, in-line with FA guidance, has developed into an overall suspension of grassroots Essex football.

The focus has to be on public health, and football continues to play its part. The FA and ourselves will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time. The FA are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review.

We’re aware that clubs will be suffering many financial troubles due to Coronavirus, County Cup Finals will need to be rescheduled and it’s going to be a challenge to fit matches in. We must all work together to get to a point where things are back to normal again as soon as possible.

Further local updates will follow from us, as needed, on this website, via @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

County Office and Remote Working

Throughout this recent period since COVID-19 has affected England, The FA and ourselves have taken Government advice, with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. Current advice is that organisations should ‘work from home’ where possible.

For the foreseeable future, staff at the County Office in Chelmsford will be working remotely from home in the interests of safety, and to play our part in reducing the potential spread of the virus. Staff can still be contacted as normal, though E-Mail is the preferred method at present.

There are a number of ‘unknowns’ in football at the moment, but our staff are committed to supporting you. We will issue a weekly update to keep you informed of the latest developments in local grassroots football.

Coronavirus: The Facts

COVID-19 is a new illness which can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus. People with either of the following symptoms are advised to stay at home:

* a high temperature - you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
* a new, continuous cough - this means you've started coughing repeatedly

Current advice is not to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. Individuals are asked to keep up-to-date with, and follow, Government and Public Health England guidance, which includes:

* promote best practice for hygiene, ensuring cleaning is effective and soaps are provided (plus sanitiser, where possible)
* anyone with flu-like symptoms should avoid the risk of spreading their infection, whatever that infection may be, by staying at home and recovering