Coronavirus update: 7 August 2020

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Coronavirus

7 August 2020   


A message from the Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Lily Bath

Cllr Bath

With this weekend set to be one of the hottest of the year, do take extra care if you are out enjoying the sunshine - drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and keep to the shade as much as possible. If you are visiting one of the local parks, make sure you take all rubbish home with you so our green spaces are clean for others to enjoy.

It is also very important this weekend that we don’t become complacent. Coronavirus is still out there, lives are still at risk. So, please continue to follow all Government advice:

  • Wash your hands, or use hand sanitiser, regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets, on public transport and when in other indoor spaces where keeping apart from others isn’t possible. Please always take a face covering with you when you leave your home in case you need to use it.
  • Get a free test now if you have any Covid-19 symptoms. Find a local site here.
  • Stay at home if you have symptoms, test positive for the virus, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Let’s keep everyone safe, protect our vulnerable residents and avoid a local lockdown.

As part of our ongoing work to support the economic recovery of the borough, the Council is encouraging local construction businesses to register for the free London Tenders Portal. The portal will provide regular updates of local building contracts coming up in the future from the Council. You can sign up here.

The next phase of the Streetspace programme was announced last week. The new trials will build on those already announced and aim to make Hounslow a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists, to enable people to socially distance and support a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for our residents. The full list of changes is available to view here.

It was sad news for Brentford FC on Tuesday night but well done to the team on a hard-fought game. Despite not making it into the Premier League this year we have some very exciting times ahead in the new stadium, which will give the team the perfect boost to hopefully secure a well-deserved promotion next year. Cllr Mel Collins popped down to Griffin Park for one final time to share his memories of almost 70 years as a Brentford fan, watch it on our YouTube channel.

Finally, students will be receiving their A-Level results on Thursday, let’s all wish them luck. The Hounslow Connexions service will once again be on hand to offer expert advice and support to anyone receiving results and unsure of what to do next.

Have a fantastic weekend and keep safe.

Councillor Lily Bath

Deputy Leader of the council

Cabinet Member for Housing and Social Inclusion


Heatwave forecast this weekend 

Sun hat

With hot weather forecast for this weekend, remember to stay safe when enjoying outdoor spaces by wearing a hat, applying sunscreen, staying hydrated and staying in the shade.

A heatwave can affect anyone, particularly at risk are older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone. Remember to check up on your family and neighbours. 

Don't put lives at risk, remain local if you can and keep your distance from anyone you don't live with. 

For more information on staying safe during the heatwave visit the the NHS website


Got coronavirus symptoms? Get tested now

Keep Hounslow Safe

To control the spread of coronavirus and reduce the risk of a local lockdown, it’s vital people get tested if they think they have symptoms

There are a range of local testing options available to you, including a mobile testing site with a mixture of walk-in and drive-through appointments available on Saturday 8 August and Tuesday 11 August 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. 

Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days

 You must now self-isolate for 10 days if you:

  • Have symptoms of COVID-19
  • Receive a positive test result

People in your household should continue to self-isolate for 14 days. For more information visit the NHS website.


People with diabetes are urged to look after their health

Diabetes campaign

One in three people in the UK who have died from COVID-19 had diabetes.  

The Council and NHS is urging local people with diabetes to think seriously about their health and reduce their risk of being severely affected by COVID-19.

Even when all the other risk factors are taken into account, research shows that higher blood glucose levels and obesity are linked to higher risk of more severe symptoms. NHS Hounslow CCG and the Council want to support residents who have diabetes to access help available to them to reduce their risk.

Visit www.knowdiabetes.org.uk - a free website for everyone living in the borough which provides a range of support on healthy eating, being active and weight management for people with diabetes. It also provides information on how residents can access a range of informative courses including the free NHS Healthier You programme.

To find out more about what you can do click here.


Keeping our parks clean

Love Parks litter campaign

With the nice weather upcoming this weekend, a reminder to keep Hounslow parks clean. The Council recently launched a new campaign for the summer, as a result of the increases in littering and anti-social behaviour, that have been seen since lockdown eased. The national campaign, developed by Keep Britain Tidy, under the umbrella of ‘Love Parks’, features images of real parks staff and park users, urging visitors to ‘be kind’ to their park.

Litter ruins the environment and puts added pressure on Hounslow’s Greenspace 360 crews, who have been working in challenging conditions over the past few months. Rubbish left by visitors creates a hazard for wild animals, who can become injured or entangled by dumped items.


Next phase of Hounslow’s Streetspace projects announced

Cllr Khan Street Space

Hounslow Council has announced a further phase of Streetspace transport projects to be implemented this financial year. This will make it easier to make trips by foot and by bike.

These changes are designed to reduce through-traffic in residential roads and to aid adherence to social distancing guidelines. They will also improve road safety and help reduce pollution outside schools at arrival and pick up times.

The new measures include: 11 new low traffic neighbourhoods; seven new School Streets and three new residential road closures to prevent through traffic.

Full details and information about the next phase of Streetspace projects can be found here


Local businesses encouraged to register for building contracts

Construction

Hounslow Council is encouraging local businesses to register for building contracts via London Tenders Portal.

The portal provides opportunities for all sizes of businesses to bid for local building contracts from the Council. This includes all types of construction work, such as carpentry, electrical, refurbishment work, plastering, scaffolding, supply of skips and professional services. This also includes architectural, surveying, ecological, security, and catering. Registering on the London Tenders Portal is free for all traders.

To sign up for the London Tenders Portal click here.


Waste and recycling collections to start earlier during warm weather spell

Waste collection

Waste and recycling collections will start from 6am on Monday 10 August. This is a health and safety precaution to prevent crews being exposed to higher temperatures while undertaking manual tasks.

Household collections normally begin at 7am, however we are requesting residents to please present collections by 6am on days when weather is due to be above 30 °C.

For further information on waste and recycling collections, please visit the website.


Beavers and Cranford Libraries reopen

Library services

Beavers and Cranford Libraries have reopened their doors this week, after being closed since March due to lockdown requirements. Health and safety measures are in place which include social distancing, frequent cleaning, a limit on the number of people entering at once and reduced opening hours.

Beavers library will be open on Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Cranford Library will be open 10am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 

Find out more about library services in the Borough here.


Hounslow Connexions is here to help on results day

Hounslow Connexions

Results day is just around the corner. The Hounslow 14 to 19 Connexions service will be providing an extended results day service for anyone receiving A-level or GCSE results, every weekday, starting on 13 August until 4 September.

The team will be available to provide free impartial advice a range of options available and help with the following:

  • UCAS’ clearing service
  • Finding relevant college or university courses
  • Apprenticeships and which one is right for you
  • Full time employment opportunities

Watch our YouTube video to hear from a young person who shares her experience of using the Connexions service or read our blog from a careers adviser to find out more about what help is on offer.

For more information click here or call 020 8583 5151.


What can you do this summer in Hounslow?

Summer

With the summer holidays now in full swing, we've put together a useful pool of resources for some inspiration over the next six weeks. 

Events and days out In Hounslow

What's on in Hounslow  local activities and events across our borough 

Hounslow Urban Farm learn all about farm animals 

Syon Park Gardens visit the beautiful historic gardens 

Chiswick House Gardens enjoy 65 acres of gardens 

Osterley Park & House – a Georgian country estate

Arts & Crafts

Activities For Kids from Fields in Trust From designing a dream park to making faces and a fun parks wordsearch, we've plenty to help the kids be creative!

Bounce Theatre presents Art workshops at Reach Academy Tuesdays in August, email for more information 12 years plus. 

Rainbows of Feltham. Compete in the Rainbows of Feltham competition and showcase your creative rainbow contributions across Feltham in support of the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Email your entries into felthamLAG@gmail.com or tag @rainbows_of_feltham on Instagram. Closing date for entries is Monday 31 August at 12noon.

Get Active Outside

Plogolution has been set up to help support communities that are dedicated to protecting the environment. They arrange regular ‘plogs’ which are run/walk and rubbish pickups. There are two routes available so anyone, no matter fitness level can take part and help clean up the local community. Prior booking is compulsory to ensure we adhere to Government Guidelines. The next plog will take place in August, keep an eye on the website for more information.

Activities for Families Free sessions of Family learning fun at Donkey Wood from Let’s go Outside and Learn! Pre- book to guarantee your place! Email to book

Xplorer Orienteering is now available at Hanworth Park and Bedfont Lakes Country Park. To ensure safety of all Park users, users must always follow government advice and stay two metres apart from those outside of their household at all times. Download your free map here. 

Small Group and 1-2-1 Football Sessions 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 

Feltham P+C Boxing Club are running Boxing activities for young people aged 13-20 at Redlees Park every Wednesday this August. Visit the website for more information and to book.

The Green Gym is an innovative way to get physically active and make a difference to your local environment. Activities take place in the beautiful Pevensey Road Open Space. Get in touch for more information.

Dr Bike will be in Osterley from the first Saturday of each month, 10am – 12noon.

Harlequins Foundation Weekly Rugby Hub for ages 14 to 16 years, every Wednesday night at 6pm. To sign up email james.collins-clark@quins.co.uk

Cycle Hire at Osterley Park and House. The National Trust has opened their cycle hire at Osterley Park located on the Front Lawn. There are bikes for all ages but please bring your own helmet if possible. There are strict cleaning procedures in place. Cycle hire will be open Wednesday – Sundays in August from 10am-4pm (last hire 3pm).  For more details go to nationaltrust.org.uk

Summer Cycle at Kew Gardens Bring your bike along to Kew to celebrate summer with an evening bike ride on 13 August 5.30-8.30pm. Bikes aren’t usually allowed in the gardens, so this is a unique opportunity to explore Kew Gardens on bike. To book go to kew.org

Activity Inspiration Online

OurParks Wake & Shake Online Class, Mondays and Thursdays 11am

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. 

Brentford  FC Community Sports Trust  have added some new free online fitness sessions including Tabata, Morning Stretch and Yoga for Beginners. Visit the website to book.

OurParks offers a great range of online sessions during the week, including free live Yoga every evening. Just, register, sign in and book your next online class! Book your next online class!

We Are Undefeatable are supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions to find ways to be active, see the website for more activity inspiration.  

Move Crew, UK active Kids. Each mission will help kids unlock their 60 minutes of daily activity. Dance missions, Super sessions, and the Loot scoot are just some of this week’s Move Crew missions.

Harlequins Foundation online live workout sessions, join in via Instagram by searching @harlequinsfoundation. 

Skipz Productions online classes for children aged six plus. A range of dance, drama, singing, origami and a detective class are on offer. All classes will take place Monday - Friday at 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom.

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


Latest information and advice

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

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