COVID-19 update: 22 December 2020

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22 December 2020

Tier 4 restrictions - Stay at Home

Tier 4 COVID-19 restrictions

Last Saturday the Government announced new local restrictions. Hounslow and the rest of London was placed under Tier 4 Stay at Home restrictions. Those came into effect on Sunday 20 December.

Government will review the tiers as planned on 30 December, but is clear there will be no relaxation for the New Year.

As cases and deaths rise in the borough, it is important to familiarise yourself with the new restrictions. They include no household mixing indoors, aside from support bubbles, and no more than two people meeting in public outdoor spaces.

The Clinically Extremely Vulnerable have also been advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments.

It is more important than ever to stick to the basics - wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep a safe distance from others. 

Our website can be translated into many different community languages, simply select the language button in the top right of the website.

View all the rules


Celebrate Christmas safely

Christmas celebrate responsibly

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It’s been a difficult year for all of us but now more than ever, it’s important to stick to the rules. Please celebrate safely and protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, no household mixing aside from support bubbles.

More info on support bubbles


Get tested for COVID-19 at home

Home testing COVID-19 kit

Did you know that you can get tested for COVID-19 at home? You can order a home test kit simply by calling 119 or online. Remember, you must self-isolate until you get a negative result.

Other tests include;

  • Going to a local walk-through test centre in Feltham and Heston, or 
  • Visiting a Mobile Testing Site

You can't access a test site without booking in advance online or by calling 119.

More information


Domestic violence support and advice

Domestic violence

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. We're providing support and advice to all residents suffering domestic violence and to people who want to report suspected abuse.

You can get in touch with Hounslow Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach Service by calling 07810 031 780 or or the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

If you are in immediate danger please call 999.

More information


Help and support

Early help hub

During this time, residents can still access our services online and via emergency numbers. To inform the council of an emergency, please call 020 8583 2222.

The Community Hub will also still be there to help residents with getting food, medicines and support during the period.

The Community Hub will remain open for urgent support until 5pm on 24 December and between 11am – 3pm from 29 - 31 December. You can contact the Community Hub on 020 7084 9697 or at Hub@hounslow.gov.uk.

More information


Support for the lonely or isolated

Community

It's been a hard year and if you are alone this Christmas there are people who can support you.

Age UK Hounslow offers a free telephone befriending service, which aims to give support and regular contact to older people who may feel lonely and isolated.

This group is mainly for Hounslow residents aged over 65 and living alone who have little social contact.

Age UK Hounslow Telephone Befriending Service 0208 560 6969

GoodGym can provide deliveries for vulnerable people (including those under 60) and basic tasks for hospital discharge and home safety. GoodGym's activities and services have adapted to comply with the Government's safety guidelines. Call 0203 432 3920 to get in touch. 

Re-engage - befriending and social activities for the 75+ (formerly Contact the Elderly).

Re-engage exists to support older people who live alone and find it hard to get out in normal times. The COVID-19 crisis is particularly devastating for these people and many are feeling incredibly vulnerable, especially those with few family members or friends to talk to.

Wellbeing Network Hounslow (support and social network for people with mental health needs) - is still available for telephone support and for information. For more information and useful contacts during this difficult time, as well as the latest updates to services please visit their website.

British Red Cross is avalaible via telephone for free and confidentially, everyday 10am to 6pm on 0808 196 3651. The friendly and experienced volunteers on the British Red Cross support line are there to help you cope with feelings of loneliness, mild depression, isolation and grief after bereavement. They can also help you get medicine and food.

Childline – speak to a counsellor by calling 0800 1111  or via 1-2-1 chat between 7.30am & 3.30 am every day.

Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are avalaible to listen. They won't judge or tell you what to do. Get in touch by calling 116 123.

More information


Want to help this Christmas?

Cllr Curran community hub

Do you have some spare time and feel like giving back to the community? It’s through generous people, businesses and organisations like you that make sure Hounslow’s most vulnerable are looked after during this difficult time.

Find out how you can help


Enforcement officers across the borough

Enforcement officers

Our enforcement officers and local police are out in the borough advising residents and businesses on the new COVID-19 Tier4 restrictions. They are helping to ensure everyone follows the rules and stays safe. 

If you have any concerns about anyone not following the rules you can report it online.

More information


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