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23 February 2021
A message from Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council
The roadmap laid down by the Prime Minister in Parliament yesterday is welcome news for every resident, family and business in the Borough. The chance of a return to normal life on June 21st is not one any of us want to miss.
But taking that chance will need three key commitments from us all.
First, it relies on us taking the vaccine. The only way we can finally escape this dreadful virus is by becoming vaccinated against it. I urge you - take your chance when the call comes from the NHS. For you, for your loved ones and for the thousands of extremely vulnerable residents still at risk in our communities.
I know there are untruths about the vaccine, but you can get more information about the vaccine and how to get it here.
Second, we must continue to follow the rules. So much has been sacrificed and so many lives lost that we must not blow our chance. That means we must keep doing what we’ve been doing: following the rules; Hands Face Space, Keeping your distance, Wearing a mask.
Thirdly, we need to protect ourselves and others by getting regularly tested. If you do not have symptoms, get a rapid test. If you have symptoms, get a test at a local testing site or mobile testing site. If we test positive, we need to isolate to stop further spread. Any increase in rates will put the roadmap off-course. You can book a test here.
These are the things that will make it possible to return to life without COVID-19 rules on June 21st.
If we go the wrong way, if we get distracted, if we go backwards; we will lose that chance. If we get it wrong, people will continue to become unwell and may not recover.
We have reached a point where the roadmap is possible, because the majority have followed the rules, made sacrifices and shown true 'One Hounslow' spirit.
But remember, this is not over yet. If we are going to reach our goal, we must keep our eyes on the road.
 We are currently preparing for Step 1 of the Government's four-step roadmap out of national lockdown. No changes will be taking place until 8 March.
These dates are not fixed and are liable to change depending on data around the COVID-19 infection rate. For now please keep safe and stay at home.
 At the beginning of January we began offering rapid tests if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms and you need access to FREE, quick and regular testing.
Since then we have been making some improvements to make it even easier for you to get tested. For example, we extended the opening hours at Heston Library on week days to support shift workers. We also introduced Mobile Testing Units in locations such as Brentford, Feltham and Chiswick to help bring the service to you.
Please keep an eye on our Twitter page and we will also keep you updated on any further developments in next week’s edition.
You can book rapid tests at as often as you like here or drop-in at:
- Heston Library – New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW – Open 6.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, or 8.00am-4.00pm Sat/Sun
- Hounslow House – 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
- Isleworth Library – Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
- Staines Rugby Club, Snakey Lane, Feltham TW13 7NB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
You can also call to make an appointment: 0207 084 9697.
 If you are aged 65 or over, or you are clinically vulnerable, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccination through the NHS website even if you haven’t yet received a letter. Appointments are available in Ealing and Wembley.
You must book your appointment before you go to a vaccination centre. We are aware of other scam messages circulating – please ignore them. The NHS will never ask you for money or your bank details for your vaccination – it is free.
You can book an appointment now if:
- you are aged 65 and over
- you have previously received a letter saying you are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- you are an eligible frontline health worker
- you are an eligible frontline social care worker
You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centres or a pharmacy that provides COVID-19 vaccinations.
 How are you keeping healthy during lockdown?
One of the best ways to maintain your wellbeing is to get any kind of exercise as often as you can. Under current restrictions, you can exercise by yourself, with your household or support bubble, indoors or outdoors.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Get Active programme below and find free workouts, online classes, tips and tricks that you can use to keep yourself and your loved ones moving.
 We know lockdown has been difficult for many residents, especially with the colder months upon us. There is support available to help during these challenging times.
We have a range of mental health and wellbeing support available to help keep your mind well. Please head to our website for more information.
 The government guidelines state that everyone should be working from home where possible. We understand that for many people this has not been something their employers have supported.
If you are feeling anxious, unsafe or inadequately protected from the risk of COVID-19 at your workplace then please raise any concerns via the email below.
All emails will be treated with strict confidentiality and the team will use any concerns raised to explore improving unsafe work environments in Hounslow.
The email address is HealthandSafety@hounslow.gov.uk.
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