Coronavirus update: 11 August 2020

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Coronavirus

11 August 2020   


Increase in Coronavirus cases – help slow the spread

Heston Covid cases

The latest data from Public Health England shows there are increasing cases of coronavirus in the borough of Hounslow, particularly Heston East.

The spread of cases suggests it’s due to wider family and friend groups meeting and not maintaining social distancing.

This small increase is no cause for immediate alarm but we need you to play your part to help slow the spread, protect our vulnerable residents and reduce the risk of a local lockdown.

Coronavirus can spread without symptoms. Don’t be the one who makes a vulnerable friend or family member sick.

Everyone must continue following government guidance.

Read a message from Kelly O’Neill, Director of Public Health, here.


Videos to help explain Test and Trace

Keep Hounslow Safe

As part of the Keep Hounslow Safe work, the Council has put together some short videos in community languages to explain the NHS Test and Trace process. 

The videos can be viewed on the Councils YouTube channel here and are available to watch in English, Panjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi and Polish. 

For more information on the Test and Trace programme in the Borough click here.


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 Friday 14 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.


Shop Local Week

Shop Local

This week the Government is encouraging everyone to Shop Local. It's a chance for us all to support local businesses, while following safety guidelines. Remember to shop safety by keeping your hands washed, face covered and keep your distance from others. 

Here are eight reasons why you should visit local shops this week:

  1. Help the high street and support the local economy
  2. Save jobs – and create even more   
  3. Great deals   
  4. A safe way to shop
  5. Preserving the heart of the community   
  6. Spoilt for choice
  7. A better shopping experience   
  8. Help the environment

You can read more about Shop Local Week on the Government's website here


Keeping our parks clean

Love Parks

With the nice weather this week, a reminder to keep Hounslow parks clean. BBQs are not allowed in any of our parks as they can easily set fire to the grass, posing a danger to our wildlife. Why not enjoy a lovely picnic instead but don't leave your litter. 

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.


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 Wednesday 12 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.


Launch of Mirco Garden during National Allotments Week

Allotments

This week is National Allotments Week. There are 29 allotments in the Borough, all of which play a vital role in promoting health and wellbeing, healthy eating and bringing the community together.

To help even more residents benefit from gardening and allotments, the Council is beginning to allocate Micro Garden plots on Church Road Allotments in Hanworth, to residents without a garden space. 

Here are just some of the reasons why you should sign up. 

  • Gardening is good for your mental and physical health, helping you feel healthier and happier
  • Learn new skills – whether you’re a nature newbie or a planting pro, our optional monthly sessions will help you pick up new skills and tips
  • Meet new people – your Micro Garden will be part of a larger community allotment space, giving you the chance to meet and chat with others starting out on their own garden journey
  • Feel connected to nature and the seasons – you’ll get to see the seasons change as you spend time on your allotment, and watch what that means for plant and animal life
  • Grow your own – you decide what to plant on your allotment – from fruit, veg and herbs to flowers and plants.
  • Free starter kit – all Micro Gardens come with a free starter kit of hand tools, gloves, a choice of seeds and bulbs to get you started.
  • Shared tool store – You’ll also have access to a shared tool store with larger items like spades, forks and rakes and watering cans
  • Keeping you safe – Measures to protect against Covid-19 will be in place, such as enough space for social distancing and cleaning supplies will be provided.

To register your interest and find out more get in touch by email community.development@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 4364.


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.


ASK About Apprenticeships Live

ASK logo

Are you interested in Apprenticeships and want to find out more? Hounslow Connexions is hosting a live question and answer session in partnership with ASK about Apprenticeships on Tuesday 18 August at 2pm.

The session will cover an overview of apprenticeships, recognising your strengths, and how to write a winning application or CV. To find out more about what is on offer watch this video on our YouTube channel

To join the event live next week on YouTube click here.


Kew Gardens summer cycle

Kew Summer Cycle

Kew Gardens will be opening its doors to cyclists for an evening bike ride on Thursday 13 August 5.30-8.30pm. 

Bikes aren’t usually allowed in the gardens, so this is a unique opportunity to explore Kew Gardens by bike.

To book a ticket or find out more click here.


Our Parks presents 'Couch to Fitness' programme

Our Parks Outdoor sessions

Our Parks is proud to present a nine week 'Couch to Fitness' programme, funded by Sport England and in collaboration with London Sport and Get Active.

This programme brings you an effective series of three workouts a week to gradually build up your physical fitness from scratch. Our instructors demonstrate three variations of each exercise for you to complete based on your level of fitness so there is something for everyone! 

Click here to join the Couch to Fitness programme.


What can you do this summer in Hounslow?


Summer

With the summer holidays 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

Whats 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, with cycle hire available Wednesday – Sundays in August from 10am-4pm. 

Get Active wherever you are

How much should I be doing? NHS guidance for all ages.   

Tips for getting started, for those new to exercise.

Couch to 5k app helps you build up to running in just nine weeks.

Active 10 app helps you add more activity into your day.

Free Health Walks across the borough.

Get Active Activities Map to download for free.

Full list of activities for young people this summer.

Arts & Crafts

Activities For Kids from Fields in Trust, from designing a dream park to making faces and a fun parks word search, there's plenty to help the kids be creative.

Bounce Theatre presents Art workshops at Reach Academy, every Tuesday in August.

Rainbows of Feltham competition to showcase creative rainbows across Feltham in support of the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Email your entries into felthamLAG@gmail.com. Closing date for entries is Monday 31 August at 12noon.

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

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. 

Keep Hounslow Safe

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