Coronavirus Update: GCSE results, health survey and coronavirus mobile testing unit

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Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

As we move closer to the start of September, we're proud to see how the majority of our residents, students, schools and local businesses are still working hard to stay safe and protect each other. We should all feel proud of how we have worked together to protect our family, friends and neighbours, however we all need to remember that it isn't over yet.

One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and others, is to get tested if you experience any of the following coronavirus symptoms:

A high temperature
A new, continuous cough
A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Testing is quick, free and vital and we have a mobile testing unit at The Score Card car park, 100 Oliver Road, E10. To book your free test at this drive through test site, visit the website or call 119.

By getting tested when we experience any coronavirus symptoms, it means we're able to protect our residents by stopping the spread.

Please join me by staying vigilant and remember to:

Wash your hands - for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
Wear a face covering - in all required venues (shops, public transport, enclosed spaces)
Watch your distance - keep at least 1 metre apart from anyone not in your household

Chairman of Noor Ul Islam Mosque chats to us about Test and Trace

We spoke to Yusuf Hansa, Chairman of the Noor Ul Islam Mosque in Leyton about the importance of getting tested and self isolating if you experience coronavirus symptoms.

Like us, Yusuf is passionate about communities protecting each other from the coronavirus and tells us how we can all take responsibility to stop the spread.

At the Noor Ul Islam Mosque in Leyton, they're following government guidance by making sure everyone attending wears a face covering and making sure they only have the maximum people attending each session.

You can watch the full video over on YouTube.

Wellbeing Week - a host of classes to improve your headspace

Finding things to do at the end of the summer holidays can be challenging, so why not join our Friends and Neighbours (FAN) team’s Wellbeing Week starting on Monday?

Partnering with Bolly X, Inspiration Arts, Training is Development and the council’s Adult Learning Centre, activities taking place throughout next week will include Bollywood dancing fitness classes, yoga and meditation, family art workshops and drug and alcohol awareness sessions and more.

The purpose of the week is to help residents improve their headspace in a safe way while helping residents make connections.

Find out more details about Wellbeing Week, and sign up to one or various classes.

GCSE results are in

School age chidlren 201118 at careers fair

Today (Thursday 20 August) GCSE results were announced.

Early indications are that students and schools in the borough have achieved good GCSE results, despite the uncertainty and difficulties faced this year.

However, some students due to receive their BTEC results today will have to wait longer as these are also being reviewed following the announcement that A-level and GCSE students are to receive centre assessment grades.

Following a difficult year for our students with the cancellation of exams and school closures we hope that they can have some certainty now in their future choices.

Congratulations to all the GCSE students today and thank you to all our dedicated teaching and school staff.

You can read more on exams results in Waltham Forest.

Your health is important to us

Our resident health survey is still open, closing on Friday 21 August.

We want to hear from as many residents as possible, so please complete the survey and share with a friend or family member if they haven't completed it yet.

This survey will allow us to understand how coronavirus has impacted your health and wellbeing, meaning we can put the right support in place for you going forward.

Complete the survey

Streets get even safer for sustainable travel

We're continuously working with Transport for London, to make sure our streets are safe for residents to travel on.

TfL are urging parents to think about choosing sustainable travel from September and we're making sure our streets are ready for you to do so, by introducing temporary measures to make sure you can social distance and enjoy your journeys when travelling across the borough.

If you're looking to try walking, cycling or scooting this September, head over to our website to find out more.

Learn new skills and get free job support

Trying to get a new job? Want to learn a new skill or gain a nationally recognised qualification? The experienced team at Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service can help.

From art to accounting and childcare to ceramics, there are hundreds of courses to choose from. The new academic year starts in September, with a mix of online and classroom-based learning.

Most courses are free or up to 70 per cent off depending on your circumstances. You can also get 10 per cent off full fee courses if you book by Sunday 13 September.

Browse our 2020-21 course prospectus, book a free assessment or enrol today!

Council Services

Our teams are continuing to deliver vital services and are working hard to reopen services as and when it is safe to do so.

Learn more about our services and how to access them.

Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.

If residents have questions please visit our website, and use live chat to talk to one of our team, it's quicker than phoning.

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