Coronavirus update: 17 July 2020

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Coronavirus

17 July 2020   

A message from the leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Steve Curran

Cllr Curran

It’s great to see life in the borough continue to return to normal, and high streets coming back to life with the reopening of pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, and lots of other local businesses. What’s equally great is that our residents and businesses continue to behave responsibly and be considerate of each other. A big thank you for that, let’s keep it up.

We’re continuing to support local businesses to reopen safely through our Shop Safe, Shop Local work, as well as beginning to gradually reopen our own buildings, such as libraries and the Register Office at Feltham Lodge, in a safe and measured way. We appreciate the patience people have shown around this.

However, as I always say, we still cannot be complacent around coronavirus. As demonstrated by Leicester’s re-lockdown, and now in Blackburn with Darwen where the council has brought in new local measures to try to avoid a lockdown, the virus is still a real threat and lives are still at risk. We must all continue to follow the rules, which include the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport and, from 24 July, in shops.

Last night we held our first ever virtual Cabinet Question Time. We had a lot of good (and often challenging!) questions. Thank you to those who took part and, if you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube channel. A couple of hot topics were our work around improving streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and fly-tipping which, I’m sorry to say, continues to blight parts of the borough. More information about these topics is available here:

Hounslow’s Streetspace programme

Our work around flytipping

Finally, with just two games left in the Championship and Brentford FC flying high in third place and in great form, there’s a chance they could secure promotion to the Premier League on Wednesday night. Wouldn’t that be fantastic. Let’s all wish them luck tomorrow – come on you Bees!

Have a great weekend, and stay safe.


Face coverings to keep everyone shopping safely

shopping and retail

The Government has announced that from 24 July people must wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth while inside shops and supermarkets or receive a fine of up to £100, unless you are exempt.

Exemptions include people who have trouble breathing, children under the age of eleven and anyone who finds it difficult to manage them correctly.

Advice on how to wear and make a face mask can be found on the Government's website.

Handy tips for disposing of a face covering safely and correctly:

  • Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose.
  • Once removed, store reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. If the face covering is single use, dispose of it in a residual waste bin. Do not put them in a recycling bin.
  • Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products. If eating in a restaurant, for example, it is important that you do not place the face covering on the table.
  • Wash your face covering regularly and follow the washing instructions for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent. You can wash and dry it with other laundry. You must throw away your face covering if it is damaged.

Got coronavirus symptoms? Get tested now

Coronavirus mobile testing

There is a range of local testing options available to you, including a Mobile Testing Site with a mixture of walk-through and drive-through appointments available on Saturday 18 July and Tuesday 21 July at the Private Car Park on Hanworth Road, TW3 3TY. For more information, please click here.

NHS Test and Trace is an essential part of the Government’s response to stopping the spread of coronavirus and to save lives. Get tested and do your bit to protect your friends and family.   


Advice and support as shielding comes to an end 

shielding

The Government recently announced that from 1 August, there will no longer be a requirement for vulnerable individuals to shield.

From then you will be able to visit shops and places of worship, but you should continue maintaining rigorous social distancing. 

The Government support offer which meant those shielding would receive a food box, care and/or medicine delivery will be coming to an end on 31 July.

If you’re exiting shielding, or know someone who is, please start to make alternative arrangements for food shopping as soon as possible before the service stops on Friday 31 July. 

The Council's Community Hub and voluntary organisations such as the NHS Volunteer Responders programme, are still here to help our most vulnerable residents across the borough, with shopping and medication assistance.  

You can find out more about these changes and the support available on our website.    

If you are in need of assistance get in touch with the NHS Volunteer Responders programme by calling 0808 196 3646. 

You can read the full Government guidance here.  


Council supports new bike scheme for NHS staff

NHS Bikes

Hounslow Council has delivered Brompton folding bikes to a number of local NHS staff to help them get to work safely during this pandemic.  

Along with identifying local NHS workers who require the bikes and delivering the bikes to them, the Council has been offering cycle training to ensure those who are new to cycling are road confident and safe.

Brompton Bike Hire initiated the Wheel for Heroes campaign to support healthcare workers get to work safely during lockdown. 

Read more on our website here


Hounslow approves Emissions-based parking charge changes to reduce pollution

car park

Hounslow Council has approved the introduction of emissions-based parking charges for Pay and Display parking and business permits.

The new charging schedule for both on-street and off-street parking charges and business permits will see lower charges for electric vehicles, a continuation of existing charges for low emission vehicles and higher charges for more polluting, higher emission petrol and diesel vehicles.

The recommendations to introduce emissions-based parking charges are being made to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. The changes follow a single member decision taken by Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport at Hounslow Council on 1 July.  

The council is also extending parking controls to cover Sundays in Hounslow town centre and the introduction of Sunday charging for off-street parking places. The decision followed a public consultation on proposed changes that closed in February.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic it is recommended that these changes are brought in on 1 January 2021.

Find out more on the Council website here.


Virtual Jobs Fair

National Careers Service Virtual Jobs Fair

The Department for Education is once again holding a Virtual Jobs Fair to showcase a range of job, apprenticeship and volunteering opportunities across London.

Get advice and support to help you with your choices on careers, training and work. Whatever your situation, there's something to help.

The event will take place Friday 24 July 11am - 12 noon 

To register your interest and find out more about the National Careers Service visit the Government's website


The Mayor of London wants your views

Activities after lockdown survey

Many businesses are now able to reopen their doors to the public as lockdown restrictions ease. That includes many of London and Hounslow's small and large cultural institutions like cinemas, libraries, galleries and museums.

The Mayor of London wants to understand how YOU are feeling about going out, including the types of cultural venues or activities you would feel most or least comfortable visiting.

Share your views by completing this quick five minute survey.

This is not a return to life as we knew it. This is a challenging time for all of us, and it’s understandable if you're feeling uncertain about how to go out safely.

For more advice on how to stay safe across London visit the Mayor of London website.


Hounslow Council review of licensing policy consultation closes soon

Beer

In June Hounslow Council launched a review of licensing policy in the borough.

The Council would like to hear from residents, licence holders, schools and other public authorities and stakeholders both in Hounslow and neighbouring boroughs. Read more about the proposed changes and consultation here. The consultation closes on Monday 27 July.

To share your views on Hounslow Council’s draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25, complete the consultation survey here


Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub 

Children playing football

Find out more about the new sporting venue located at Gunnersbury Park. Situated on the border of Hounslow and Ealing.

Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub has a large gym and sports hall offering space for a variety of sports. Outdoor facilities include eight tennis courts and two full size pitches, as well as cricket, rugby and an angling lake. Visit the BETTER website for up to date information on opening, and to find out more about the current programmes below;

For more information contact better.org.uk/gunnersbury-park-sports.


Do you want to help save the planet and keep active? Join the Plog-olution

Plog-olution

'Plogs' are a regular local community walk or run combined with a rubbish pick ups.

The next Plog-olution will be at Hounslow Heath on Saturday 25 July 1 - 2.30 pm

With two routes available, anyone, no matter regardless of fitness level, can take part and help clean up Hounslow.

Sign up here to join either the 2km walking route, great for those who want a gentle walk and those with young families, or the 5km running version.

Due to Government social distancing guidelines advance booking is compulsory in order to take part. Each group will have no more than 10 people each with social distancing of over one metre.

All equipment will be provided including gloves and litter pickers. All equipment will be disinfected before and after the event. 


Free Summer Youth Activities

Brentford Community Sports Trust

Kick start your summer holidays with exciting activities run by Brentford Community Sports Trust.

The sessions are held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 1 -4pm at Hanworth Youth Centre, 64 Hounslow Rd, Feltham TW13 6QQ

Sessions start on Monday 3 August and are available to young people aged eight-19 who live in Hounslow.

 

Activities include;

  • Basketball sessions
  • Team games
  • Quizzes
  • Fitness
  • Educational workshops

No need to book – just turn up!

For more information, email youth@brentfordfccst.com or call 07956499265


Exciting News! Watermans Art Centre reopening 

Watermans

This week Watermans Art Centre are delighted to announce that the Cinema, Gallery, Restaurant and Bar will be reopening on Wednesday 5 August.

Read Watermans Director, Jan Lennox, letter to customers regarding the reopening here.

You can share your views on how the Centre should open safely for customers and residents by completing this short survey.


Online resources for health, education and wellbeing 

New for adults, young people, children and families;  

NHS Active 10 10 minutes of brisk walking is an achievable way to add more activity into your day. Brisk walking is simply walking quicker than usual, at a pace that gets your heart pumping. It's a great way to get outside and improve your health.   

Couch to 5k is a weekly running programme designed by the NHS for complete beginners. The Couch to 5K app gives you a choice of coaches and helps you track your progress.  

Positive Movement  runs 3 weekly online sessions as part of the Model City programme in Bedfont, Feltham & Hanworth. The project aims to improve mental well-being and combat social isolation in the community through fitness and sport. 

New Small Group and 1-2-1 Football Sessions at Gunnersbury Park  Brentford FC Community Sport Trust are running new football sessions at the new facilities at Gunnersbury Park. For more information and to book visit brentfordfccst.com 

OurParksare running 10 online classes per day via Facebook Live and Youtube Live. New lunchtime sessions have also been added so you can access a range of sessions at any time of the day.     

Hounslow1-2-1 Cycling Sessions in conjunction with Bikeworks, are for anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough. Free ‘Dr Bike’ bike servicing is also available, click here for the schedule.  

NHS Fitness Studio  has some great new workout routines that you can do anytime, anywhere including, aerobics, belly dancing, pilates and yoga.  

Brentford  FC Community Sports Trust have added some new free fitness sessions including Tabata, Morning Stretch and Yoga for Beginners, as well as chair based exercise for over 60s 

Outside Inside is a new local project that will use the natural world to inspire, to encourage new skills and old interests, and to bring people together remotely and safely to share their experiences. You will find 10 nature-based activities on the Lets Go Outside and Learn website, these will be added to over the next few months.  

For more activity inspiration visit hounslow.org/move-more.


Latest information and advice

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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

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

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