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Monday 16 November 2020 (Update #140)
 At the start of another week under national restrictions I can assure you that the resolve of Havering Council to do everything it can to limit the impact of this awful coronavirus is undimmed.
Sadly, over the weekend, there was quite a bit of negative comment about our move last week to use COVID Marshals to help ensure our residents are kept safe.
Fortunately, we live in a society where we are able to express our views freely and we know from history (the Black Death, 9/11, the global financial crash of 2007/08) that misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories flourish during times of crisis. But this should not be to the detriment of other people’s lives or allowing false information to remain unchallenged.
The fact is, we, and many other local authorities across the country, are employing Marshals to work with residents, encouraging compliance with the current COVID-19 restrictions, including social distancing and the wearing of face coverings by those who are not exempt. They are funded by money we have been given by central Government in order to help keep people safe.
Our COVID Marshals will patrol areas in Havering where we have received the most concerns about non-compliance with the national restrictions we are all obliged to follow. This includes smaller shopping parades, outside schools, around transport hubs and in our parks.
The Marshals will work with Council officers and the Police to encourage people to do their bit and help slow the spread of COVID-19. This is particularly important at this moment as Havering has the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in the whole of London.
We all need to continue to do our bit for the sake of our fellow residents who may have already suffered bereavement or long-term damage to their health from COVID-19, and vulnerable people in fear of catching this terrible virus. See more on the long-term effects of COVID-19 below.
If you want to contact me directly, email me. However, please be patient as there may be a delay of a day or two in getting back to you due to the volume of messages I am receiving.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
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Due to planned maintenance tomorrow, Tuesday 17 November, you won't be able to access your My Havering account and some online forms on our website between 4 and 10pm.
Havering Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause you during this time.
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If you have had COVID-19 you may still have some physical symptoms, such as breathlessness, a cough, or a lack of energy.
You may also have psychological symptoms, such as feeling scared or anxious, depressed, having trouble sleeping and struggling to remember or concentrate.
These symptoms, both physical and psychological, are common. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Your Covid Recovery includes information from experts about how to manage them and look after your health and wellbeing. It also includes information on returning to work, and a helpful section for family, friends and carers of people who are recovering.
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Havering Council's Public Health team encourages everyone who is eligible to have a free flu jab to protect themselves and others.
The flu virus spreads from person to person. Even amongst those not showing symptoms.
The flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you and it’s available for free to those most at risk.
Yet in north east London last year, only half of those eligible for the flu vaccine chose to get it. This was much lower when it came to pregnant women, children aged 2 and 3 years old, carers, and those living with long-term health conditions.
This year, with COVID-19 in circulation, it’s more important than ever that those eligible are vaccinated to protect them from flu.
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Support is available for everyone in Havering that needs it.
If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable and need help accessing food or medicine, call our helpline on 0800 368 5201.
It's open weekdays between 9am and 5pm and also available for emergencies at the weekend between 11am and 4pm.
You can read about financial support that is available on our website.
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Your physical health has a big impact on how you feel emotionally and mentally.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink enough water.
One You from the NHS has a lot of advice including ideas for healthy meals you can cook at home.
Where possible, exercise at home or outside.
Free, easy 10-minute workouts from Public Health England include exercises to tone your abs and raise your heart rate, as well as yoga, pilates and belly dancing for beginners.
Sport England has many more tips and advice on ways to stay fit and healthy through the pandemic.
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Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of COVID-19.
In many places you must wear a face covering unless you are exempt due to age, health or disability. If you fall into this category you may want to wear or show an exemption card or badge to reduce the chance that you will be challenged by, for example, shop staff, our new COVID-19 Marshals, or the Police.
A template for an exemption card or badge, including an image that can be displayed on a mobile phone, is available on the Government's website.
If you are exempt and choose not to wear a face covering you must keep a two metre distance from other people because not wearing one increases your risk and that of other people of catching the virus.
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This week (16 - 22 November) is Alcohol Awareness Week.
Are you concerned about a recent increase in your alcohol intake?
Would you like to start early on your New Year’s resolution?
WDP Havering, based at 26 High Street, Romford, is here to help you. WDP is an innovative drug and alcohol charity committed to helping those who are affected by substance misuse. For over 25 years they have provided support to individuals, their families, and wider communities.
It offers a free and confidential support service for individuals and their families affected by drug and alcohol problems.
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From tonight (Monday), the children’s Emergency Department at King George Hospital will be closed each night between 9pm and 9am because there will be no specialist children’s doctors on duty at the hospital during those hours.
It will remain temporarily closed this winter and all children who need to stay in hospital will be admitted to the children’s ward at Queen’s Hospital in Romford.
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If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, join a virtual coffee morning this Thursday, 19 November, between 10 and 11am.
You will be able to speak to a member of Havering Council's fostering team and find out what’s involved.
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From 1 January new rules affect citizens, businesses and travel to the EU whatever the outocme of current trade talks between the UK and EU.
Make sure you’re ready for the end of the Brexit transition period.
If you export to, or import from, the EU you can get help from HM Revenue and Customs.
They are holding a series of online webinars that will explain how to make import declarations to import goods between the EU and Great Britain, including simplified and supplementary declarations, as well as the key terminology and new processes.
You can also sign up for email alerts about new guidance, as it is published.
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There is a host of community activities that you can get involved with from your home.
Here's just a flavour of this week's:
Tuesday 17 November, 11 - 11.45am: Local Area Coordination – Meet your Harold Hill Coordinators.
Tuesday 17 November, 1.30 - 2.30pm: Tapestry - Seated hiphop dance.
Thursday 19 November, 10.30 - 11.30am: My Health Matters – wellbeing session.
You can find more details on these events, and many more, on the Havering Community Hub website.
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The Havering Astronomical Society are holding their first annual photography competition for astronomy related images.
The winner will receive £100 and a trophy.
See if you can do better than member Les Brand's image of The Eagle Nebula cluster of stars (pictured).
The closing date is 1 December and the winner will be announced at the Society's December online meeting.
Full members can enter free, online or social media members are asked to pay £5. You can submit up to five images.
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