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Coronavirus update: schools step up, bonfires and more news from Redbridge

London Borough of Redbridge sent this bulletin at 20-04-2020 04:28 PM BST

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Monday 20 April 2020

Extension of lockdown: statement from the Leader of Redbridge Council

"While I understand people will have been hoping for a relaxation of the rules and a return to normality, we’re not at that juncture yet. Instead, please continue to abide by social distancing guidelines, follow the Government and NHS advice and stay safe and well. If we all continue to follow the guidelines hopefully we’ll able to return to our normal day-to-day lives soon."

Read Councillor Jas Athwal’s statement following the announcement that the lockdown will continue.

► Statement from Cllr Athwal

‘Thinking of you’ messages to patients in hospital

Having to keep apart from loved ones who have been hospitalised is heartbreaking, but our hospitals have come up with a lovely way to still send those messages of love.

‘Thinking of you’ allows people to send letters and images online to patients, making it easier to communicate with their loved ones in our hospitals.

There is also a phone line for people to share their messages on 01708 503 604 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Schools turn lab equipment into PPE for health staff

Schools in Redbridge have found a smart way to help with getting personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a bid to provide PPE for frontline health workers, staff from 20 school communities in Redbridge collected goggles and other equipment their pupils would normally use in science lessons.

► 3,000 goggles donated

Help at hand if you’re worried about your behaviour

Weeks cooped up indoors can take their toll.

Is your behaviour causing a family member to be harmed or feel afraid?

Seek help and learn how to control what you do by calling Reach Out on 0800 145 6410 to speak to one of our specialist team members to discuss how you can stop the abuse.

Reach Out is also there to support people who are being, or are at risk of being, abused.

► Reach out for support

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme service goes live

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, last month announced a government pay scheme to cover 80% of workers’ wages, up to £2,500 a month, if they are put on leave due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has now gone live and employers can claim online.

► How employers can claim

Caring with pride

Wondering how you could help the elderly or vulnerable? Do you have an interest in the care sector? If so, London needs you!

The council is backing a campaign focused on recruiting more people into the care sector to provide the capital's boroughs with additional support in the fight against COVID-19.

As part of the #proudtocareLondon campaign, anyone with an interest in the care sector is being urged to apply for a range of roles that provide support to the elderly, or vulnerable within the community.

► Read more

Smoke sends the wrong signals

Coronavirus has curtailed normal life for everyone but people are showing a great willingness to help and support their communities.

Please continue to be mindful of your neighbours.

Burning rubbish smells and can create dangerous fumes for people living in the surrounding area. It can also be harmful for people with respiratory issues.

With the limited ability to enjoy fresh air at the moment, we all want to be able to get the best out of our gardens. We are asking residents not to start fires and, particularly, not to burn rubbish.

Unreasonable fires can be reported under the pollution 'report it' function.

► Report pollution

Employment rights during lockdown

For people who are not entitled to sick pay while having to stay at home, these are anxious times. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has created an Employment Rights Hub with information on how workers who are affected by coronavirus, and not entitled to statutory sick pay, can claim benefits. It is particularly relevant for those more likely to be in insecure employment or are more vulnerable to sickness.