Coronavirus update: 11 May 2020

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Coronavirus

11 May 2020   

Message from Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council

Cllr Curran

Our fight against the coronavirus is far from over. Though the Government yesterday laid out a route to easing the lockdown, for now, very little has changed. The Council’s number one priority of protecting and supporting our most vulnerable residents will continue to underpin everything we do.

To keep ourselves and others safe, and to protect our NHS, we must all still stay home as much as possible, work from home if we can, stay 2m apart from others not in our household, and self-isolate if anyone in our household has symptoms. We are at a crucial moment in controlling the spread and people flouting the rules could undo all the efforts of the past seven weeks and put lives at risk.

We should also stay local where possible and avoid unnecessary journeys on public transport. The Council is currently bringing in a range of measures to make walking and cycling easier and safer.

What is expected from Wednesday is some relaxation of the rules around exercise and using parks. We are awaiting further guidance from the Government on this and will take a precautionary approach until there is complete clarity. And, whatever the new measures may be, you will still need to keep at least 2m from people not in your household.

The Council is also looking to bring some services back online, such as reopening Space Waye to the general public. More information on this, and the necessary measures being taken to make sure it’s safe, will be announced this week.

As restrictions are gradually lifted, and circumstances become more complex, I ask that you remain patient with our staff and those of our partners who are trying to ensure people follow the rules. Our motivations are always about reducing the spread of coronavirus and protecting people. We must never forget that this is about saving lives.


Stay alert, control the virus and save lives  

Stay alert

Last night the Prime Minister announced the Government’s COVID19 Recovery Strategy. He outlined some gradual changes to help manage the coronavirus outbreak and conditional plans to ease lockdown, provided the social distancing rules are maintained and infection rates do not increase significantly.  

The message is to ‘Stay Alert, Control the Virus and Save Lives’.  

  • Stay at home as much as possible  
  • Work from home if you can  
  • Limit contact with other people  
  • If you go out, keep 2 metres apart from other people 
  • Avoid public transport as much as possible-walk, cycle or use your car, if you need to travel to work 
  • Wash your hands regularly 
  • Self-isolate if you or members of your household have symptoms   

You can find out more about the amended guidance here.   


Getting tested for Coronavirus

Have to leave home get tested for covid 19

 Testing for coronavirus is available for all those who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined on the Government website

This includes symptomatic people who are key workers, people who cannot do their work from home - such as shop workers, construction workers and delivery drivers – and those aged over 65and members of their households. 

Arranging a test must be done by appointment via the self-referral portal. You’ll usually have the option of taking the test at home or at a drive-through testing site.  


TFL announces plan to help Londoners travel safely and sustainably

TFL

Following the Government’s announcement of a gradual easing of the lockdown Transport for London (TfL) today set out its initial plan to support this and help Londoners who need to travel do so safely and sustainably. This will be supplemented over the coming days following advice on travel to be issued by Government. 

  • Londoners must continue working from home wherever possible to enable safe journeys for those who cannot do so 
  • Those who need to travel asked to reimagine their journeys where possible: use existing or newly introduced walking and cycling options and ‘shop local’ to relieve pressure on public transport. Public transport should be avoided wherever possible 
  • Employers urged to help their staff avoid travelling at the busiest times of day  
  • Face coverings should be used, rigorous cleaning regimes, hand sanitiser points and operational changes at stations to help keep everyone safe 
  • National requirement to maintain 2 metre distance between passengers wherever possible means public transport will operate very differently to before the pandemic 

Challenge is far greater than the 2012 Olympic Games, with the need to reduce pre-COVID demand on buses and Tube by over 85 per cent. 


Government £2 billion package for walking and cycling

cycling

The Transport Secretary has announced a £2 billion package to improve infrastructure for walking and cycling. More people are walking and cycling than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will create more space for people to cycle and walk while safely following social distancing guidelines and could relieve the pressure on public transport.    


The New Self-Employed Income Scheme

grants

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new scheme to support those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The temporary scheme pays 80 per cent of average profits which is capped at £7,500. The grant will be subject to Income Tax and self-employed National Insurance. You can check if you’re eligible here


Thank you NHS 

Thank you NHS Bolder Academy

Students from Bolder Academy are showing their support for the incredible bravery, sacrifices and hard work of NHS frontline staff to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Year 8 students have been using their creative skills to say thank you.   

Opposite is a beautiful thank you picture drawn by Year 8 student, Duru, depicting one of our NHS frontline workers.   

  

 


Free Childcare Scheme extended

childcare

The Government has confirmed that parents who are normally eligible for 30 hours free childcare or tax-free childcare will remain eligible for these entitlements during the summer term even if their income falls below the usual requirement due to coronavirus pandemic.  

You can find out more about the announcement to extend the scheme this summer here.  


Modern Slavery  

modern slavery

 It can be challenging to identify a potential victim of modern slavery and potential victims may be reluctant or unable to come forward themselvesespecially during the coronavirus pandemic. That is why it is important to look out for signs of modern slavery. 

  A potential victim of modern slavery may: 

 •Show signs that their movements are being controlled 

•Show fear or anxiety  

•Allow others to speak for them when addressed directly 

•Look malnourished, unkempt or have untreated injuries 

•Not be in possession of their passports or other travel documents, as these documents are being held by someone else  

•Not have control of their own money or bank accounts  

•Believe they must work against their will  

•Be subjected to violence or threats of violence against themselves or against family members and loved ones 

You don’t need to be sure that modern slavery is taking place or fully understand the types and definitions to report your concerns. Call the police on 101 if you are concerned about anyone and suspect modern slavery, or 999 if there is an immediate risk of harm.  

You can also phone Salvation Army’s 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0300 3038151. Further advice and support is available on the Government website 


National Numeracy Day – Wednesday 13 May  

maths on toast

National Numeracy Day is all about helping people sharpen their skills and build their number confidence. Being better with numbers isn’t a special talent, it’s something we can all learn. Visit the National Numeracy Day website to find out how you can take the first steps to numeracy confidence.  

Maths for all the Family  

Maths on Toast, the family maths charity, has a new creative maths activity for you to try at home, uploaded every Monday, available for the whole week. 

 


Indox Open 4 Business

business

Idox Open 4 Business is a portal designed for subject matter experts to allow them to search for grants, special loans and awards for which a business or start-up may be eligible.  Registration is free and provides access to a comprehensive database of funding opportunities and business advise services.  

Businesses can browse or search for funding, generate reports, access news items in full and set up alerts to receive updates regarding suitable funding opportunities. The browse feature gives a broader picture of the types of funding that might be available to support the business. 

To make the most of this portal, please refer to the guide which provides handy tips and hints to help businesses focus their search and plan for making a funding application. 

Normally, Hounslow Council pays a subscription fee to enable companies in Hounslow to access the platform free of charge via our webpages.  However, in recognition of the current very challenging business climate and to make the platform accessible to as many businesses as possible, IDOX Open 4 Business will not be charging us for a period of six months. We would like to thank them very much for this generous offer and support at this time.  


Women into Construction Open Day

women and construction

Women into Construction are welcoming women to join an online Open Day on Wednesday 13 May from 1.30-2pm. The event will focus on providing information and guidance on CVs, job applications, and CSCS Health and Safety training. They have also recently launched a remote mentoring programme with volunteering mentors from industry looking forward to supporting anyone via phone or online to gain an understanding of careers in construction and engineering. The industry offers a wide breadth of opportunities for women new to the industry; with transferable skills; or already qualified and experienced. 

This online registration event is for women in the borough that have not previously registered and are interested in pursuing a career within the construction and engineering industry.  


Online resources for health, education and wellbeing 

New for adults, young people, children and families;  

Better on demand provides access to workouts for free on the Better UK app, available from the Apple or Google Play stores. Enter BETTERFREE as the Club Access Code, club ref: Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub.

Joe Wicks  also known as the Body Coach or, the nation’s PE teacher, is now offering virtual classes for seniors on his YouTube channel.

Make Movement your Mission designed by Later Life Training, includes a series of short online regular movement sessions done either in a chair or standing holding onto a support.

Mind’s guide for young people is available with information for young people who are worried about coronavirus and want to know how to cope with changes to their lives.

Sport Impact works with schools across Hounslow to give pupils the best opportunities in PE, Sport and Health, as well as encouraging Leadership and Volunteering. The team have created some Stay at Home Challenges to support learning whilst in the home.

OurParks coaches Ange and Premika are encouraging exercise at home and workout sessions via their facebook or YouTube channel. Why not try Saturday 10am Live HIIT Workout.

Brentford  FC Community Sports Trust  have some great free fitness sessions for Hounslow residents including Pilates, Yoga and chair based exercise for over 60s, all part of their #BeeeatHome campaign.

Visit oneyouhounslow.org for more support and information.


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. 

Advice in accessible formats and different languages

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 alert

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