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Wednesday 28 April 2021 (Update #210)
Our latest weekly report brings with it the great news that not one person in Havering died of COVID-19 in the week up to 16 April.
It also shows that now well over half of all adults in our borough have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please take up the offer of a jab when it comes and if you are aged 42 or over you can now book your vaccination online.
These pieces of wonderful news must not blind us to the fact that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. The number of infections rose slightly in the borough last week. This coronavirus pandemic has also already killed 921 of our neighbours, work colleagues, friends and loved ones here in Havering.
It is right to remember them. That's why I announced at the Council meeting last night that we will plant trees in a memorial garden in their honour.
It's also why we need to make sure we still follow the "hands, face, space and fresh air" rules to keep safe and take advantage of free, rapid COVID-19 testing that is now available in 50 places across Havering.
Frequent testing means that any outbreaks of infection can be quickly contained. Read more about testing later in this newsletter.
At our Annual Council meeting last month I was delighted to see Cllr John Mylod re-elected as Mayor of Havering. His first term was cut short due to the pandemic. Serving another year will help his chosen charities benefit from more of his brilliant work. There's more on this below.
In addition, as we start to come out of lockdown, economic recovery for the borough is just as important. This is why we also announced Cllr Dilip Patel as a new Assistant Cabinet Member to spearhead business recovery in the borough during this coming year.
Lastly, if you want to contact me directly, you can email me. However, please be patient as there may be a delay in getting back to you due to the volume of messages I am receiving.
Stay safe.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
 Every week Havering Council publishes a report on coronavirus in the borough on its website.
It includes data on infection rates and testing, as well as the vaccine roll-out. It also compares the success of that programme in Havering with other parts of London and the rest of the country.
The graph above is taken from the report. It shows the number of Havering residents testing positive for coronavirus each week since 6 March last year.
There were 46 cases reported in the last week, ten more than the previous week.
This corresponds to an incidence rate on 23 April of 18 new cases per 100,000 population. This is higher than the previous week, but lower than the London (22/100,000) and the whole of England (24/100,000) figures.
Vaccines
In total 921 people in Havering have now died with COVID-19 but, thankfully, there were no deaths due to the virus reported in Havering for the week ending 16 April.
The latest data shows that by 18 April almost 59 per cent of all adults in Havering have had their first dose of the vaccine. This is much higher than the average for East London, or the whole of London.
Over 99 per cent of all adults in Havering aged 60 to 64 have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Hospitals
As of 26 April there were 16 inpatients admitted due to COVID-19 occupying beds at our local hospitals.
The trust that runs those hospitals, BHRUT, also publishes weekly data on the number of patients it is treating.
Havering Council’s Deputy Leader paid a visit on Monday to the Napier and New Plymouth House development to check progress - six months after construction began.
Cllr Robert Benham and Neil Stubbings, Director of Regeneration, inspected works at the site in Rainham (pictured) which forms part of the ‘12 Estates’ regeneration programme with Joint Venture partners Wates Residential.
Despite the extra challenges caused by the pandemic, the development is progressing well and in line with its plan to create 197 homes for local people.
Businesses in and around the borough have been key to ensuring the project stays on track.
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Cllr John Mylod (pictured) has been re-elected as Mayor of Havering following the Annual Council meeting last night (27 April).
Cllr Mylod, who represents St Andrews ward, will continue to serve as Mayor for 2021/22.
Disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has made many of the Mayoral engagements, including fundraising and community events, much more difficult.
After his re-election the Mayor said that he would continue to support and raise money for his chosen charities - Saint Francis Hospice, Clouds In The Sky, and the Rainbow Trust.
Cllr Christine Vickery, who represents Havering Park ward, has also been re-elected as Deputy Mayor.
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Next week, on Thursday 6 May, the elections for the Mayor of London and Members of the London Assembly will take place.
When you go to a polling station or receive your postal ballot papers you will have three to fill in: a pink one for the Mayor, a yellow one for your constituency member, and an orange one for the London-wide list.
Watch a video to see how to use your votes.
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If you are aged 42 or over, or you are due to turn 42 by 1 July, you can book your COVID-19 vaccination now.
Take up of the vaccine is a key way in helping to get things back to normal and will protect you, your friends and your family.
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It’s important all of us fill in our census forms. That’s why it’s a legal requirement to take part.
You will not be in any trouble for returning the census now and only households refusing to complete the census run any risk of receiving a fine.
If you have any questions, or concerns about Census 2021, you can contact our local helpline. The number is 01708 432144.
Help is available on this number on Mondays and Thursdays from 1pm to 7pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 4pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Alternatively, visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.
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Please be alert to scam messages arriving by text or email relating to Census 2021.
Some residents have received messages that claim to be from "HM Government" saying that they had not completed their census correctly or fully.
The bogus messages then say that this needs to be corrected to avoid a thousand pound fine.
As with so many of these scams, if you click on links, or respond, they ask for your bank details. In this case the scam message says you owe them £1.25 for late submission of information.
Ignore and delete any such messages. There is no charge or penalty for "incorrectly completing the census".
There is a possible £1,000 penalty if you refuse to do the census but any such fine would only be charged after a court process, and there is no penalty for completing the census late.
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Regular, twice-weekly rapid testing for people without COVID-19 symptoms is available for everyone in Havering to help make sure you're not passing on the virus without knowing.
You can order home test kits or pick them up from test centres, some libraries and most pharmacies.
There are over fifty places in Havering and you can find out the nearest testing sites and collection points.
Alternatively, you can order a test kit online.
You should still use testing even if you have had one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Have symptoms?
Of course, it also remains vitally important to book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
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The Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands are set to reopen to the public on 19 May depending on government guidance.
After that opening, you will be able to see the Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery.
Admission is free.
This exhibition has been extended until 22 August 2021.
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Havering Council is providing free parking to help support our high streets and town centres.
Parking fees in all Council car parks and on-street parking bays are suspended until, and including, 9 May 2021.
For the avoidance of doubt this does not include resident permit parking where the usual permits and restrictions still apply.
The Council also provides a Havering Heroes parking permit for NHS and other key workers. This permit has been extended until 21 June 2021.
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