Coronavirus update: 19 August 2020

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Coronavirus update

19 August 2020   


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

Cllr Curran

"Since early August there has been an increase in cases of coronavirus in the borough from a previously low and steady level. We are experiencing localised spikes in certain areas of our Borough, similar to those being seen across other boroughs in London.

“The spread of cases suggests it’s due to wider family and friend groups meeting and not maintaining social distancing. Because of the low numbers overall, often a single household can account for significant rise in cases.

“We are treating this increase extremely seriously, but proportionately, with targeted communications and engagement specific to these areas and communities. This reiterates government safety messages, advises on how to get tested, and sign-posts to more support. This effort is being supported by a range of ‘champions’ in our community and voluntary and community groups.

“There is a robust and responsive mechanism in place to monitor coronavirus cases. The Council receives daily updates from Public Health England, which are disseminated to key service areas and partners, and I, as Leader of the Council, am regularly briefed by our Director of Public Health on the latest data and action being taken. A comprehensive Outbreak Control Plan is in place which details when and how further measures will be put in place if necessary.

“To ensure that we keep our loved ones and communities safe, it is important we take extra care and attention. Coronavirus is still circulating, lives are still at risk and our priority remains protecting our most vulnerable residents.

“Let’s all do our bit to reduce the spread and keep our friends and family safe. We need everyone to keep their distance from people who do not live in their home, staying 2 metres away from them at all times where possible.”

Continue to follow all Government advice:

  • Keep your distance – 2m from others not in your household where possible
  • Wash your hands, or use hand sanitiser, regularly and for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home.
  • Don’t touch your face when you’re are not in your home.
  • 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 if you have any symptoms - a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. 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.

More information at www.hounslow.gov.uk/coronavirus

Cllr Curran signoff

Walk-in testing for Coronavirus in Heston

Covid test

There will be a walk-in coronavirus testing unit in Heston this week.  Do the right thing for your community and help stop the spread of coronavirus. No need to book - get tested tomorrow, Wednesday 19 August or Thursday 20 August between 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The free swab test is quick, easy and vital to help stop the spread of coronavirus in our area.

For this testing site we are encouraging everyone to get tested – even if you don’t have symptoms or live in Heston.

Address: St Leonard's Church, Heston Road, Heston TW5 0RD.

Don’t be the person who makes your relatives or friends sick. Do the right thing and play your part. Get tested now.

Help spread the message – please share with your relatives and friends. 

Further local testing options are available across the borough. For more information, please click here. 


Will you be a Community Champion?

Community Champions

Do you live or work in the borough of Hounslow? We need your help to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives. Champions can be anyone in the community. You might be the person that everyone knows and trusts. You might be someone who wants to help in whatever way you can- even if this is your first time.

It’s really easy to get involved:

  • You sign up to be a Champion.
  • We give Champions the latest information about COVID-19.
  • Champions share this information with anyone in their community, however they want. It could be with your friends, colleagues or a community group.
  • Champions let us know what is and isn’t working. They also help us dispel myths or concerns.

Click here for more information and to sign up.


Work to start on temporary Cycleway 9 route

Kew Bridge

Construction of a new temporary cycle facility  along Chiswick High Road is planned to begin in September as part of the Council's Streetspace Programme to create a safer space for cyclists.  

The new temporary cycle route between Kew Bridge and Olympia will enable people to travel safely, social distance and promote a healthy lifestyle. The route will also help to alleviate pressure on a busy section of the District line. 

To read more about the new cycling route and the Streetspace programme click here


Virtual Notting Hill Carnival 

Notting Hill Carnival

Due to Covid-19, this year Notting Hill Carnival 2020 will be moving online, so that everyone can stay at home and enjoy the carnival safely and stop the virus spreading.

Enjoy the mix of music, art, food and culture from the comfort of your own home from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August. To find about more and register click here. 


Fun activities from Watermans this week

Watermans

Watermans are hosting some fun activities this week for everyone to enjoy. 

On Thursday 20 August, 8pm to 11pm, Gaz's Rockin' Blues 40th Anniversary Party will be streamed online for free.  

This will be a three hour online gig featuring DJ's and bands to celebrate one of London's longest running clubs. Gaz usually does a big stage at Notting Hill Carnival, but not this year - so catch him this Thursday instead. Click here to find out how to join in

Family Cinema returns to Watermans on Friday 21 August  with social distancing in place so you can enjoy the films safely. Screenings include 100% Wolf and new live-action film Pinocchio, and for grown ups, Babyteeth and Who You Think I Am. The Parent and Baby cinema will also be returning every Wednesday at the new time of 1pm.

Full cinema listing available here

Customers have been commenting on how safe they're finding Watermans, with plenty of room between seats and enhanced cleaning and Covid-secure measures throughout. For more information visit https://www.watermans.org.uk/


Kickstart your Better Health

Better Health

To support people to live healthier lives, Public Health England’s Better Health campaign is providing a variety of free tools and apps to help you make healthier food choices, become more active and prevent future weight gain.

Get started by downloading the free NHS weight loss plan to help you start healthier eating habits, be more active and start losing weight.

The plan is broken down into 12 weeks so you can:

  • set weight loss goals
  • use the BMI calculator to customise your plan
  • plan your meals
  • make healthier food choices
  • get more active and burn more calories
  • record your activity and progress

Gaining weight is often a gradual process - it happens over the years as a result of modern-day life and the odd unhealthy habit. Extra weight causes fat to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now COVID-19. If you are overweight or living with obesity, lowering your weight can help reduce your risk of developing serious diseases.

To find out more about what you can do visit https://www.oneyouhounslow.org/


West London College GCSE results day support

West London College logo

West London College is offering GCSE Results Day advice and guidance about the range of courses available at the college and how to enrol. 

The team of advisers will be available from 9am tomorrow (Thursday 20 August) to support anyone who is considering a course at the college or for those who have already applied and want to confirm their place.

Get in touch with the team by calling 020 8741 1688 or visit www.wlc.ac.uk 


Hounslow Connexions is here to help on GCSE results day

Hounslow Connexions

The Hounslow 14 to 19 Connexions service will be providing an extended results day service for anyone receiving GCSE results, every weekday, from 13 August until 4 September.

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

  • Finding relevant college 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

We've put together a useful pool of resources for some activity inspiration this summer.

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

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

Move More Activities to keep you active wherever you are

Couch to 5k app helps you build up to running in just 9 weeks

Active 10 app helps you add more activity into your day

Free Health Walks across the borough

Activities Map to download for free

Activities for young people this summer

Arts & Crafts

Activities For Kids from Fields in Trust

Bounce Theatre

Rainbows of Feltham

Summer Art Activities Feltham Arts

DiY radio

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. 

Cases rising

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