A NEW social media page has been launched to help build up a database of volunteers to help isolated residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Essex Coronavirus Action is a collaboration between Essex County Council, the Essex Public Health team, and local Facebook group administrators.

A spokesman for Essex Coronavirus Action said: “The key aim is to rapidly build a large database of volunteers to support those in Essex who will need the support of their wider community.

“The page has been ‘blue ticked’ by Facebook which indicates its official status.”

The Facebook page will offer assistance to vulnerable members of the community if they are self-isolating, provide advice to prevent people from undertaking risky activities and a platform to offer official advice.

It will also attempt to counter misinformation which could be spreading online.

Registration is now open for any residents or businesses who are happy to volunteer in their area.

Residents should visit http://bit.ly/ecaformvolunteers to find out more.

Business should visit http://bit.ly/ecaformbusinesses if they are interested in helping.