Your coronavirus update: London moves into high alert level from Saturday 17 October

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Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

London has now moved into the high alert level, meaning that restrictions are changing for us here in Waltham Forest.

As you can see from the increasing figures below, we have seen a rise in cases and the tragic deaths that follow from this. Director of Public Health for Waltham Forest Council, Joe McDonnell, has filmed a video talking about the important steps we can take as we move into the high alert level. You can watch the video on YouTube.

This virus should be a priority for all of us and we must change our behaviour to make sure we don't see the levels of deaths we saw earlier in the year.

From Saturday 17 October, we will no longer able to socialise indoors with anyone that we do not live with, either in our homes or in public indoor spaces. I am urging all residents of Waltham Forest to follow this rule. I know how upsetting this restriction is for all of us, but by breaking this rule, we will be risking ourselves and our loved ones safety and if the virus continues to rise we could face even more restrictions.

We all have a role to play and the first thing we all need to know is the rules - read the full list of high alert level restrictions on the government website.

I am so proud of how we have handled this challenge together so far, so let's keep going. I know we will all step up and come through this together.

You can read my full statement on our website.

Protecting your loved ones? Now is the time.

Now is the time to protect your loved ones, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

The easiest way to do this is by:

Washing your hands regularly
Wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces
Keeping 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with
Do not meet indoors with anyone you do not live with

Remember. If you experience any of the coronavirus symptoms (new cough, high temperature or loss of smell or taste) then you must self isolate with whoever you live with, and keep trying to book a test.

To order a test, please call 119 or visit the government website.

Get yourself informed

Children’s flu vaccine

Flu can be very unpleasant for your child, and can easily spread to other children as well as other members of the family.

Vaccinating your child from the flu is safe and effective, and will protect them and other people vulnerable to the flu such as babies or the elderly.

A nasal spray vaccination is available from your GP or at school. The vaccination is free for:

· 2-3 year old children

· All primary school children

· All year 7 secondary school children

· 2-17 year old children with long-term health conditions

Learn about the flu vaccine

Early bird discounts for landlords

We are aware of the difficult time tenants and landlords are facing due to Covid-19 at the moment.

We have extended the Early Bird discount on the Council’s Selective Licensing and Additional Licensing schemes until Saturday 31 October.

Find out more

Council Services

Our staff are continuing to work hard to deliver services to our residents, adapting these to make them safe where required.

Find out more

Are you worried about self-isolating?

We know the thought of having to self-isolate can be worrying.

At the end of September, the government announced a scheme which financially assists those who have had to self-isolate and have lost income as a result.

Self-isolation may cause hardship to people who are unable to work – particularly those on low incomes.

Payments are £500 and payable to anybody who lives in the borough and was instructed to self-isolate by NHS test & trace, is either employed or self employed and has lost an income as a result of having to self-isolate.

Read full criteria

Black History Month business profile: Stennah and Hope

This Black History Month, we are speaking to some of the borough's inspiring black-owned businesses about their products and services and what they bring to the borough.

Stennah and Hope produces candles and diffusers for a range of clients in the UK.

Founder Boyowa Olugbo spoke to us about how he runs the business as a social enterprise – providing training and employment opportunities for young people – as well as the company's ambition to keep growing, and what makes the Waltham Forest business community so special.

Watch the video

‘Bystander Intervention’ pilot programme seeks to build community solidarity and challenge hate

The Council has launched a Bystander Intervention programme, empowering 30 residents initially to recognise a potentially harmful situation, and teaching how they can safely assist and support potential victims of a hate incident.

Following the training participants it is hoped that participants – including members of local faith groups and voluntary organisations - will be equipped to train other members of the community.

The programme is one part of the Council’s community-led approach to foster community solidarity against hate after holding the first ever Citizens Assembly on this topic earlier this year.

Watch the facebook video

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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