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Wednesday 12 May 2021 (Update #215)
I am shocked and saddened at the death of a 16-year-old boy in Harold Wood last Friday. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Havering Council is working closely with the Police and our Havering Joint Task Force team are actively involved in the investigation.
I urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to get in touch with the Police by calling 101, or tweet @MetCC, quoting reference CAD6572/7May.
Residents will understandably be concerned following this tragic incident. Please rest assured that the Council continues to work with the Police to keep Havering one of the safest boroughs in London.
Havering Council will be funding school meals for vulnerable households over the May half-term school break. It shows again the support we have put in place to help those in need get through these difficult months.
Whether it's support with meals during the school holidays, help with heating homes, or assistance getting food and medicines, I am proud that Havering Council continues to help our most vulnerable families through this crisis.
From Monday we reach Step 3 on the Government's roadmap out of lockdown. See the article later in this newsletter for a list of the new freedoms we will be able to enjoy from 17 May.
Whatever you choose to do in the weeks ahead, please remember that COVID-19 hasn't disappeared. Indeed many countries are still seeing their highest level of fatalities and infections.
Therefore act with caution, not complacency. Continue to follow the hands, face, space and fresh air advice - and test yourself regularly. It's now so easy to do with over 50 locations in Havering where you can get tested, or pick up a home testing kit. See more on this below.
Lastly, if you want to contact me directly, you can email me.
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 23 cases reported in the last week, nine fewer than the previous week.
This corresponds to an incidence rate on 7 May of nine new cases per 100,000 population. This is lower than the London (19/100,000) and the whole of England (22/100,000) figures.
Sadly a total of 921 people in Havering have died with COVID-19 but no new deaths have been reported in the three weeks up to 30 April.
Vaccines
The latest data shows that by 2 May 57 per cent of all adults in Havering have had at least one dose of the vaccine. This includes more than 90 per cent of all people aged 65 or over. Already more than 70 per cent of those aged 45 - 49 have received at least one jab.
Hospitals
As of 10 May there were 13 inpatients admitted due to COVID-19 to our local hospitals.
The trust that runs those hospitals, BHRUT, also publishes weekly data on the number of patients it is treating.
 Havering Council will continue to fund the School Meal Holiday Scheme for those most in need during the May half term.
The scheme is a way of providing funds to ensure that eligible families can purchase food over the holidays to replace the meals a child would have received during a school day.
From Monday 17 May, eligible families will be able to apply to receive £15 per child to support with meals to cover the May school break.
The window for new claims applications closes at 5pm on Monday 24 May.
 These are the key changes in rules and guidelines that apply in England from this Monday (17 May) as we reach Step 3 on the Government's roadmap out of lockdown:
Care homes
Care home residents can leave the home to visit lower risk outdoor spaces (such as parks) and attend appointments important for their wellbeing.
Domestic stays
Overnight stays with friends and family will be allowed with groups of six people or two households. Remember to open a window to let fresh air in.
Funerals
The legal limit on the number of mourners at funerals will be lifted. Venues should set limits based on individual capacity and continue to follow COVID-Secure guidelines.
Hotels
The accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs, may reopen for use. Groups of up to six people, or two households, can gather indoors.
Indoor entertainment
You will be able to visit indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children's play areas.
Indoor exercise
You will be able to take part in indoor adult group sports and exercise classes. Where possible, keep your distance from others and remember to clean equipment after use.
Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality will reopen for table service for groups of up to six people or two households.
Outdoor gatherings
Gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors will be allowed. Please remember to keep your distance.
Plan ahead if travelling
Plan ahead and check before you travel. However you are travelling, remember to do so safely. When using public transport, sanitise your hands regularly and keep your distance where possible.
Rule of six indoors
Groups of up to six people or two households can meet indoors. Remember to open a window to let fresh air in.
Sports events
Performances and sporting events will be able to take place in indoor venues, subject to capacity limits.
Weddings
Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings and receptions.
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There are now over 50 places for people to get rapid COVID-19 tests in Havering. This means it’s now easier than ever to get tested and help keep Havering safe.
Havering Council opened two new rapid testing sites last week, in Collier Row and Upminster.
Residents can also collect rapid home testing kits from any of the borough’s libraries, as well as over 30 pharmacies across Havering.
If you aren't sure how to do a rapid test at home, visit one of the testing centres first and be shown by the professionals. You can then take a test kit home with you to use in subsequent weeks.
You can also 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?
It remains vitally important to book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
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Havering is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.
The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries.
It has reviewed Havering to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the Council work effectively. This changes over time due to new developments and changes in housing stock.
The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Havering. It says residents should be represented by 55 councillors. This is one more than the current number of councillors currently representing the borough.
It is proposing that there will be 20 wards in Havering, an increase of two. The boundaries of all existing wards will change, except Upminster. It is proposed that 15 wards will have three councillors, and five wards will have two.
Parliament now needs to agree the changes. The new arrangements will then apply for the May 2022 council elections.
(Map contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2021)
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Havering Council has listened to residents and businesses’ concerns about oversized vehicles using Rainham Village as a rat run.
CCTV cameras will be introduced to help enforce against the high number of vehicles ignoring existing restrictions in the area.
The restriction still permits access meaning that vehicles over 7.5 tonnes travelling to and from locations within the zone are exempt from the restriction. For example, a lorry delivering a bed to a resident on Upminster Road South.
To ensure the scheme is fair, there is exemption for some large vehicles.
Businesses should apply by email to be on the exemption list – otherwise they will face a fine.
The hope is that the new scheme will reduce noise and pollution in the area.
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Although Census Day - Sunday 21 March – has long gone, it's still not too late to respond online if you forgot to fill in the form online or on paper.
It only takes around 10 minutes per person.
If you have lost your original invitation to take part letter, or have a second address you have not visited recently, you can still request an online completion code for your address.
After Monday,17 May, only paper questionnaires will be available.
People refusing to take part could be taken to court and issued with a £1,000 fine and criminal record. The census non-compliance operation will begin on 25 May.
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It's Diabetes Prevention Week.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Finding out your risk only takes a few minutes using the Diabetes UK risk tool — it could be the most important thing you do today.
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Come and meet Havering Council's Waste and Recycling Team at Romford Market on Wednesday 19 May.
The team will be on hand to provide help, information and tips on recycling, the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, home composting, real washable nappies and how to reduce single use plastic.
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This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week.
This year the theme is nature and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation campaign urges everyone to take a moment to connect with nature.
They suggest making it a habit each day of appreciating the things that bring joy to our lives such as listening to the birdsong, the smell of freshly cut grass, and enjoying the trees, flowers or animals nearby.
If the changes in the coronavirus rules and guidelines from Monday leave you worried about experiencing crowds, or using public transport again, or you are finding it hard to manage your social life after such a long period of not seeing friends and family, we have help for you on our website.
Public Health England have also recently refreshed their Better Health - Every Mind Matters website to help you access our content more easily.
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Are you an EU, EEA or Swiss national who’s lived in Havering a long time?
You may still need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) even if you’ve got a Permanent Residence document.
This is to protect your rights, including healthcare and benefits.
Across the UK more than 5.3 million applications have been made, and 4.98 million applications had been processed by the end of March 2021.
The 30 June 2021 deadline for making an application under this scheme also applies to someone holding an EEA family permit, even if, on the face of the permit, it is due to expire on a later date.
If you have already applied for British citizenship using your permanent residence document or card you must still ensure that you make an EUSS application by 30 June 2021 if your British citizenship has not been confirmed by this date.
You can read information on the EUSS in 27 different languages here.
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This Saturday, 15 May, there will be another litter pick along the banks of the river Thames.
Known as the Concrete Barges Litter Pick the event is organised by the Thames21 River Action Group.
Volunteers will be meeting at 10.30am at the Riverside Car Park, Coldharbour Lane, Rainham RM13 9YQ.
This is a family friendly event, suitable for accompanied children 12 years and older.
Volunteers will be picking rubbish until 1.30pm. Sadly, there are many micro plastic pieces that need sweeping and shovelling up from the pathway, as well as larger pieces on the reed beds.
If you have your own wellies, picker, hoop, broom or shovel, please bring it with you. If not, all equipment you need will be supplied. Just wear old weather appropriate clothing and bring a thick pair of socks.
If you would like to join them, please email Steve, the organiser.
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Local Area Coordination (LAC) is a new service from Havering Council to support people in the community.
It is now available in Harold Hill, Rainham and South Hornchurch.
The LAC team work in the community and provide support, working alongside people to achieve their vision of a better life.
They can help you make links in your community, or help with personal challenges such as debt, or struggles with mental health.
Local Area Coordinators are now being recruited for the Havering Park and Mawneys wards. If you live or work in those wards, and would like to be involved in the interview panels to help select the right coordinator for your area, Amanda Flower from the LAC team would like to hear from you.
Also, if you are interested in applying to be a Local Area Coordinator, please contact Amanda by email.
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Hornchurch FC on are on their way to Wembley Stadium for the biggest match in the club's history.
On Saturday 22 May they take on Hereford FC in the FA Trophy Final.
Mark Stimson (pictured on the left) is the team's manager.
The former player at Newcastle United, Portsmouth, and Southend United became the Urchins' Manager in November 2018.
Many supporters think he's the ideal man to lead the club to cup glory after he led Grays to victory in the FA Trophy in 2005 and 2006, and then again with Stevenage in 2007.
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and has a 4.15pm kick-off.
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