Coronavirus update: 1 April 2020

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Coronavirus

1 April 2020   

Want to talk?

old man on phone

For many people the current social distancing measures can leave them feeling isolated and lonely. No one wants to feel like that and it’s only natural to want to chat. Age UK offers a local befriending service for over 65s. Information is available on its website, or contact info@ageukhounslow.org.uk or call 020 8560 6969 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 


Lender loan fraud and other scams 

Fraud alert

It's a difficult time financially for many but watch out for lender loan fraudsters and do not engage with them. They are known to approve fast loans regardless of your credit historyask for an upfront fee and take payment but never give the loan. Visit Action Fraud for more information. 

Fraudsters in general are looking to take advantage from the spread of coronavirus with a range of cyber and doorstep scams. Advice is available here, and if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, please report it to Actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. 


Price hiking 

face mask

We’ve received numerous messages from residents saying shops in the borough are hiking up their prices on goods. This unfortunate practice has come to the attention of the competition watchdog which warns retailers and brands not to “exploit” people’s concerns about the coronavirus by increasing the price of products such as hand sanitisers, face masks or wipes. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is monitoring sales and pricing practices and says it will take action against any company found to be breaking the law. Let them know if you’re aware of a shop doing this. 


London Irish Rugby Club delivering free meals to NHS staff

London Irish

To support the vital work the NHS is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the London Irish Rugby Club have teamed up with Powerday Plc to take on the Corona Care Challenge #CCC and deliver thousands of meals and vital equipment to hospitals across the capital. 

To make sure those working on the frontline are cared for, the #PoweringTheNHS campaign, will initially see Powerday and London Irish make and deliver more than 100,000 meals for NHS staff who are working under immense pressure in London and local hospitals. 

Nourishing, healthy meals are being prepared by London Irish’s Hazelwood training ground kitchen team and being transported to various hospitals across the capital, including of course our own West Middlesex Hospital.  A brilliant team effort. Well done! #LondonTogether 


Electrical safety in the home

baby

During Family Safety Week (30 March to 5 April), The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is reminding householders of the importance of taking care to ensure electrical safety in the home. This is particularly relevant now as we are all spending more time at home, often with children who would otherwise be at school, and using our electrical appliances more.  

Some of the safety tips recommended are: 

  • Always use a qualified, certified professional to do any electrical work 
  • Keep electrical cords out of reach 
  • Keep appliances off when not in use  
  • Never leave a child unattended when using a device still connected to the mains 
  • All drinks should be kept firmly out of reach of electrical appliances 

Staying active at home 

suzie compilation

Keeping active can really benefit your physical and mental health, whatever you choose to do. Hounslow Council's Physical Activity & Sport Project Manager, Suzie Munnery has been busily keeping herself fit and energised while working from home and wants to share what has worked for her. 

#StayInWorkout  

“I’ve tried the Joe Wicks virtual PE classes which are great for helping to ensure kids are keeping active from home. Of course adults are encouraged to join in too, and if you miss the workouts they are available anytime on YouTube. My 92-year-old neighbour is also trying something new, she texted to tell me she is doing the #10today exercises which are on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and online.” 

OurParks and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust are just two of our partners that now have a range of activities available online (see links below) 

Visit OneYouHounslow for more advice and support to help keep us all active and healthy at home. 


Online resources for health, education and wellbeing 

OneYouHounslow - Hints and tips on how you can stay active from home 

Our Parks - a range of free workouts to do at home - everything from HiiT to Yoga

thisgirlcan  - Exercises to try at home from press ups to living room wall sits – and they’re great for women and men alike!  #thisgirlcan @thisgirlcan

Lessons led by celebrities - Home schooling is about to be a lot more fun, with a host of fun-filled sessions led by celebrities such as Joe Wicks and David Walliams 

BBC Bitesize - Daily content that supports education and wellbeing for pupils from primary to post 16 education.  

Free online fitness, yoga and Pilates classes for Hounslow residents, courtesy of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. 

Tate Kids: play free art games and fun quizzes, find art activities, read about artists and share your art. 

FREE online ballet classes for people over 50. These ballet based movement classes are a great way to keep active at home (as featured on BBC News this morning!)  

Change4Life - Disney themed indoor activities will get the kids moving visit  and nhs.uk/change4life/accessible-activities  - for some adapted versions of the activities.


Latest information and advice

If you think you know someone who’d like to receive this e-newsletter, forward it on and they can subscribe here. 

The Council has a coronavirus advice webpage which is updated daily with the latest local information for residents and businesses. 

You can also follow us on social media using the links below. 

The latest information on coronavirus in general is available on the Government’s website. 

stay at home

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