 On Friday afternoon, Lord Bethell wrote to Hounslow Council’s Leader, Cllr Steve Curran and Hounslow Council’s Chief Executive, Niall Bolger, to inform them that Surge status in Hounslow will come to an early close from today Monday 21 June. The Government’s decision is being hailed by the Council as an acknowledgement of phenomenal efforts made by the borough’s residents.
The programme, which began on 23 May, has seen tens of thousands of residents ‘Stepping Up For Hounslow’ by getting vaccinated at pop-up clinics across the borough and getting a PCR test so that we can understand spread of the Delta variant. Whilst Enhanced Response (Surge) Area status will now end on Monday 21 June – a week sooner than originally planned, the hard work on the ground to get remaining residents vaccinated and PCR tested will continue as part of the Council’s commitment to support the fight against COVID-19.
Hounslow Council’s Leader, Cllr Steve Curran, said: “Around 53,000 vaccinations have been given in the borough over the past four weeks alone. Over 100,000 residents are now fully vaccinated. The Government’s decision recognises the incredible efforts everyone has made to ‘Step Up For Hounslow’. With our partners, Hounslow Council mobilised at terrific speed to deliver this excellent work, and it is because of the fantastic, committed response of residents that Government has been able to bring Hounslow's surge status to an early close.
“But while the virus continues, there can be no room for complacency. This is the end of our surge status, but it must not be the end of our work together to defeat the virus. That is why I’m appealing to everyone; Don't Blow It. Keep getting regular LFT rapid tests. Get vaccinated when you can. Follow the rules and remember the importance of hands, face, space.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England, said: “The progress in Hounslow is very encouraging and a brilliant example of how effective we can be when we all pull together. We need to see that unity across London now, with as many people as possible coming forward for the vaccine over the coming weeks.
“It remains the most powerful and effective tool to protect yourself and your family, so please come forward if you have not already done so, including for your important second dose, and encourage others to do the same.”
Residents who ‘Stepped Up For Hounslow’ during the borough's Surge PCR testing and vaccination period can benefit from enhanced Test and Trace Self-Isolation Payments if they are on a low income, need to self-isolate but can't work from home. Hounslow residents contacted by NHS Test and Trace or the Council during Surge activity in the borough may be eligible for the enhanced Test and Trace Self Isolation Payment of up to £1,000. Previously the amount eligible residents could claim was £500. The payments are for those who have had to self-isolate during Surge status (between Sunday 23 May and Monday 21 June). All PCR tests must be returned within two weeks of the end of surge if residents wish to claim the higher payment, which can be claimed for up to six weeks after any self-isolation is required.
 Getting the vaccine is one of the best ways we can stop the spread of the virus and curb the impact of any new variants of concern.
If you are over the age of 18, below you can find a list of all our upcoming pop-up vaccination clinics over the next few days, more details of which are here.
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Book an appointment via www.nhs.uk or call 119:
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Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre- 658 Chiswick High Road, Brentford TW8 0HJ - Open 8.00am-8.00pm.
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Compass Centre- Compass Centre, Bath Road, Heathrow, TW6 2GW-Open 8.00am-7.00pm
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One of Hounslow’s five community pharmacy sites hounslow.gov.uk/vaccine
 It's important that you get a PCR test as soon as you can to identify any new variants of concern and keep the infection rate under control, even if you've already had a vaccine.
Please get a PCR test as soon as possible on Tuesday 22 June at the following locations:
Mobile PCR Testing Units:
Local PCR Testing Sites:
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Brabazon Road Sports Court, Hounslow (TW5 9LR) – Open 8:00am-8:00pm
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Padstow Walk car park, Feltham (TW14 9XU) – Open 8.00am-8.00pm
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Stamford Brook car park, Chiswick (W4 1NH) – Open 8.00am-8.00pm (Please book an appointment here: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-testWhen booking, select “do not have symptoms” and then “I was asked to take a test by the Local Authority.” Please also walk to this site if you can, as there is no parking on site and parking is very limited nearby).
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Hounslow House– 7 Bath Road, Hounslow (TW3 3EB) – Open 8.00am-4.00pm
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Heston Library– New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW – Open 6.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, or 8.00am-4.00pm Sat/Sun
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Isleworth Library– Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU – Open 8.00am-4.00pm
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Bedfont Library– Staines Road, Feltham TW14 8DB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm
Or book an appointment at a regional PCR test site via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test:
- Twickenham Stadium (TW2 7BA) entrance at the rear via Whitton Dene – Open 8.00am-8.00pm*
- Heathrow Airport Car Park E2, Eastern Perimeter Road (TW6 2SQ) – Open 8.00am- 5.00pm*
*When booking, select “do not have symptoms” and then “I was asked to take a test by the Local Authority.” Drive through site only.
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