Your coronavirus update: Over 3000 new Covid-19 cases in the last 7 days, how to get tested in your local area, financial support for businesses and more

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Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 

Walthom Forest

In the last week, we have recorded over 3,000 new Covid-19 cases. It has never been more important to take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

This third lockdown can bring additional stress and worries on top of what is often a difficult time of year. Please know that if you need support, you are not alone. Whether you are vulnerable and shielding and need support to get essential items or you are struggling mentally to deal with the pandemic - there is support available to you. We are committed to making sure every resident can access the support they need, so please do visit our website if you feel you need help. 

Our local hospitals including Whipps Cross, are treating extremely high levels of Covid-19 patients and are near breaking point. We have to stop the spread of this virus to protect our NHS and I urge every single resident to take responsibility to help us fight this virus. Stay home as much as possible and if you leave for essential reasons remember hands, face, space. Doing this can help save lives. 

I know we are all wondering about the rollout of the vaccine and our local NHS partners are working hard trying to set up the largest ever vaccination programme at the same time as dealing with highest levels of infection from the pandemic. The simple message we have been asked to pass on is that you will you will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn to get the vaccine and can read more about this on the NHS website. We are currently looking at what more we can do to assist them in this vital work.

Please protect yourself, stay safe and together we can look to a brighter 2021. 

Test and Trace

1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms

Test and Trace

Here in Waltham Forest, getting a Covid-19 test is free, quick and easy. 

Although we're in national lockdown and you may only be leaving your home for essential reasons, the risk of catching the virus is still here. Getting tested can help us stop the spread of this dangerous virus. 

We have eight test sites across Waltham Forest, with five of these open every day. 

Open everyday 10am-7pm: 

Chingford Assembly Hall, Station Road, E4 7EN 

One Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4SD

Jubilee Centre, Cathall Rd, Leytonstone, E11 4LA

Open everyday 8am-8pm: 

Stanley Road car park, Leyton E10 7EQ

Linford Road car park, Walthamstow E17 3LS

You do not need to pre book and can just turn up to each open test site.

For the full test sites, opening days and times, please visit our website. 

Test centre information


Applying for a reception place for September 2021

Schools

If your child was born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 they are due to start in reception class at a primary school in September 2021.

You must apply for a reception class place for your child even if they attend a school nursery or have an older brother or sister at your preferred school.

If your child currently attends a nursery attached to a school this does not give them any priority for a place in reception class at that school.

The closing date for on-time applications is 15 January 2021.  If you apply after this date, your application will be considered as late.

Apply for school place


Leaving home for essential reasons? Grab your face mask

Test and Trace

So far, we have provided a whopping 52,000 free face masks to residents.

Thank you to every resident who has ordered one or taken one from our fantastic Stay Safe Champions who have been out and about. 

By wearing a face covering, you not only protect yourself but protect others, especially the vulnerable members of our communities.

It's also really important that you wear it correctly - over your nose and mouth. You can read more information about what counts as a face covering and how to wear one correctly on the government website. 

You can still order your free face mask from us by calling 020 8496 3000 or by ordering online. 

Order your face mask


Dry January: A healthy start to 2021

Dry Jan

2020 was a difficult year for all of us, and a survey carried out in Waltham Forest showed that many of us may have been drinking more alcohol than usual to help cope with stress and anxiety.

Kick off your 2021 with Dry January to feel healthier, improve your wellbeing and save money. The numbers speak for themselves, 70 per cent of people who choose Dry January find their sleep is improved and two-thirds have more energy.

You can also take a two minute quiz on Drinkcoach to receive free and confidential advice and support.

Join Dry January 



Update on our Christmas and Winter Appeal

Test and Trace

Thanks to the generosity of over 330 Waltham Forest residents and businesses, our Christmas present and Winter Appeal raised £57,530.

This allowed us to purchase Christmas presents for 1,600 young people, including looked after children and young carers. We are currently in the process of drawing down these funds and have welcomed grant applications from local organisations supporting vulnerable families through isolation, food poverty and homelessness this winter. 

The process for awarding grants is ongoing and we’ll continue to keep you updated on how this money is being distributed.

Ways you can help 


Does your business need financial support?

business support

The Chancellor has announced that further grants will be provided for businesses to help them through to the Spring.

One-off grants, worth up to £9,000 per property, will be available for rates liable, closed businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Discretionary funds will also be made available to councils to support other impacted businesses.

We are currently waiting for government guidance and for funds to be confirmed, before we can rollout a new scheme. We will keep you updated and share further information with you as soon as we have it.

In the meantime, we continue to provide Local Restrictions Support Grants to eligible businesses impacted by earlier tier restrictions.

Business grant information 


Want to try something new?

Test and Trace

January can be a time for resolutions to try something new. Maybe you’ve decided to take better care of yourself?

Social distancing occurs naturally in Epping Forest, so why not escape for an hour, catch your breath and relax.

If you’ve resolved to look after our natural world, Sunchat (Suntrap Forest Centre, the borough’s educational environmental site monthly e-bulletin)  has lots of top tips. If you’re a parent or carer there’s a whole range of fun, educational ideas you can do with your children safely at home or in your local green space. All with a focus on nature and the environment. 

Suntrap Centre website 


Could you be a virtual Stay Safe Champion?

Stay Safe Champions

We have had over 300 brilliant residents sign up to our virtual Stay Safe broadcast so far, helping us to get the latest Covid-19 guidance to residents. Via Whatsapp and email, we share the latest Covid-19 guidance straight to these residents so they can then share with people they know that might need it.

Think you could help us share vital information to residents who we might not reach from our channels? Sign up to join the Stay Safe broadcast. 

Register for broadcast  


Council services

enforcement

We are making sure we provide key services to our residents throughout this stage of lockdown. 

To find out up to date service information, please visit our website. 

The Council may need to contact you by email in relation to services. We will only ever contact you using a @Walthamforest.gov.uk email address.

If you receive an email claiming to be from a Council employee from another sender – e.g. @gmail.com, @hotmail.com – please do not reply.

It is not a genuine communication and may be a scam. If you do receive an email claiming to be from the Council that you do not think is genuine, please report it to the police using 101 or their online reporting tool.

Info on council services


Test and Trace
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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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