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Thursday 25 June 2020
 I, like you, welcome the easing of the lockdown restrictions as I know they have taken a toll on people’s mental health, through feeling cut-off and alone, and for our local businesses struggling financially.
We have worked hard with businesses to create COVID-19 secure town centres and I am looking forward to our high streets getting back to their bustling best. But we have to take careful steps as we move forward. Please remember COVID-19 is still out there, and the last thing anyone wants is a second peak.
The further away you are from someone who may have the virus the less likely you are of catching it. So please follow the social distancing signs around our borough and in our shops.
Finally, with 4 July just over a week away, whatever you are thinking of doing first, please do it in a safe way. Whether it’s a haircut or a beer garden trip, do it safely and considerately and think of others.
If you want to contact me directly, please email me.
Cllr Damian White,
Leader, Havering Council
During the current heatwave take measures to stay well and safe.
If you use an electric fan do not aim the fan directly at your body and do not use it if anyone in the home is unwell with COVID-19.
Please look out for others including neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves. Make sure they are able to keep cool but still follow COVID-19 guidance – including handwashing, wearing a face covering, and social distancing.
Health advice for those sensitive to air pollution is available from UK AIR by calling 0800 55 66 77 (recorded information) or online.
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We’re aware that some residents are having problems with missed refuse and garden waste collections.
The crews are currently collecting a higher volume of waste than ever before around the COVID-19 pandemic, with more residents working from home.
Resources are regularly being reviewed to ensure we continue to provide a good quality weekly waste and recycling collection.
We are currently working closely with our contractors SERCO to resolve these issues and thank you for your patience.
If your waste collection is missed please visit our website to check if your road is listed and see information on a rescheduled collection day.
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This Saturday, 27 June, is Armed Forces Day.
It's a day to say thank you for the hard work, dedication and efforts of our armed forces to keep us safe in the UK and across the globe.
Among the virtual events we have planned is "Proud", a vocal tribute produced by Lightnin Drama Group for Havering Council.
Thank you to everyone who has sent a picture of themselves saluting our armed forces like the one of Army Cadet Eman featured today.
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From Saturday 4 July, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.
From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and people can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.
The Government has also published advice for businesses that are planning to re-open shortly.
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The mobile testing Unit for COVID-19 will be at Havering Town Hall again tomorrow, Friday, 26 June.
Before you attend the site in Romford, you will need to make an appointment.
The testing at the Town Hall rear car park is between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Vehicles and pedestrians should enter via Park End Road, Romford RM1 4AU, where a one way drive and walk through system will be in place. Please do not try to enter from Main Road.
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If your business has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and you weren't eligible for a business support grant, you may be able to claim one of the Government's discretionary grants.
You could be eligible if your business is based in business incubators and you pay an all-inclusive rent and therefore do not have a business rates liability; is a retail outlet that isn't separately rated, such as those in Romford Shopping Hall, and concessions in Romford's three malls; or you trade from a stall in Romford Market.
Phase one for the discretionary grants closes tomorrow, Friday, 26 June.
If you are not eligible at this stage, a second phase of funding will be opened shortly with more businesses eligible for cash help.
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This Saturday and Sunday, 27 and 28 June, there will be no service on the District Line between Turnham Green and Richmond. Rail replacement bus service DL3 will run.
Everyone travelling on public transport must wear a face covering unless you are exempt from wearing one.
Find out how to make your own face covering.
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Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch may be currently closed for performances but that doesn't stop the dancing and singing.
Every Tuesday morning at 11am you can join in new dance routines devised by choreographer Sundeep Saini.
And every Thursday at the same time you can join a singing session led by music director and musician Andrew Linham and learn a musical theatre number. You can also vote for which song to learn.
For both activities go to the Queen's Theatre Facebook page.
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Launching on Monday 29 June at 7pm, Havering Culture’s YouTube channel will showcase an exhibition of paintings by Havering-based artist Poppy O’Brien.
Her works range from traditional landscape to modern art collage.
Pictured is one of her paintings of a lake in South Weald in winter.
Havering Council would like to feature the work of more artists and crafts people. Please email arts@havering.gov.uk if you think that could be you.
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