NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS Havering back under national restrictions Dear resident We are now in a national lockdown and you must stay at home unless you have an essential reason to go out. I know we are all frustrated and desperate for things to improve but the new variant of COVID-19 has spread fast and our local hospitals are under intense pressure dealing with hundreds of very sick COVID-19 patients and are at breaking point. I know there are many parents now juggling the demands of their busy jobs with childcare responsibilities trying to do the best they can. There will be vulnerable loved ones you will be deeply worried about as the new more transmissible variant circulates. There will be families feeling financial hardship due to the economic impact of the virus wondering how they will meet the bills, especially after Christmas. Nevertheless, I urge you to think about how your actions can help support those key frontline workers like doctors and nurses working flat out to save the lives of our families, friends and neighbours. It’s really important that if you leave home for essential reasons, that you take preventative action. This means wearing your face covering in shops, public transport and in any enclosed spaces. I’m extremely sorry for every Havering resident who continues to be negatively impacted by this awful pandemic. Once again we need to come together to support each other through this period of national restrictions. If we do that, and the vaccine roll out programme achieves its targets, we can realistically look forward to better times by Easter. If you need help urgently, please use our coronavirus helpline. Details later in this booklet. To keep up to date with any changing rules and the vaccine roll out please sign up for our free Living in Havering email newsletters published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Just go to www.havering.gov.uk/newsletters. I trust you find the information in this booklet helpful. Councillor Damian White Leader, Havering Council LeaderEnquiries@havering.gov.uk
Why these national restrictions have been introduced To prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed o buy time to allow the roll out of COVID-19 vaccinations to protect the most vulnerable people in our T society To save lives
What this means for you The national restrictions look to reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, therefore reducing the spread of infection. In order to do this, the Government has taken the following action: • People are required to stay at home, except for specific purposes • Preventing gathering between people you don’t live with, except for specific purposes • The closure of certain businesses and venues These measures apply nationally up to 31 March but are subject to review. At the end of the period, depending on the latest data, the Government plans to return to the regional tiered approach.
If you or someone in your household has symptoms it is vital that you all isolate immediately to help stop the spread of the virus. Please Follow the links for more information about your household, symptoms and think when and how to isolate: carefully abo shorturl.at/gFQS0 each and eve ut ry activity.
Getting tested Anyone with the below coronavirus symptoms can get a test:
A high temperature
Every time yo u are near others you co uld become the link in th e chain of transmission .
A new, continuous cough A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. Test sites are open seven days a week, or you can order a home test kit. It needs to be done in the first eight days of having symptoms, and you must pre-book an appointment if visiting a test site at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, or by dialling 119. For the latest information on local testing sites, types of testing available and booking arrangements (including symptom-free/community testing), their opening times and locations, please visit https://www.havering.gov.uk/covid19testing Testing is free, quick and pain-free. It involves taking a swab of the back of the throat and then inside of your nose, using a long cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians will have to swab test children aged 11 or under. If you’re getting a test because you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must selfisolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble.
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Domestic violence If you are suffering from, or are aware of someone experiencing domestic abuse and is in immediate danger, please call 999. If you are unable to speak, still dial 999. If you are on a mobile and the operator can’t tell what service you require you will be put through to the Silent Solution system. After a short message you will then be able to press 55 for help.
Libraries Libraries will remain closed until at least mid-February. The libraries website is still available, offering an online library of tens of thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines to read. http://www.libraries.havering.gov.uk Orange recycling sacks will be available outside Harold Hill, Hornchurch, Rainham, Romford and Upminster libraries but please only take the sacks if absolutely essential.
Parking permits for care staff The Council has extended its Havering Hero parking permit. This permit for NHS and care staff will support key workers to continue to move around the borough as the fight against the pandemic continues. The Havering Hero parking permit allows Havering key workers to park in residential bays and Council car parks for up to three hours without charge. Visit www.havering.gov.uk to apply online. At the time of going to print, this permit is available for NHS and care staff. It allows them to move around the borough as they continue to fight the pandemic.
Waste and recycling services Gerpins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre will remain open. Collections of black and orange bagged waste and recycling will continue as usual.
Leisure centres Leisure centres across Havering, including Central Park Leisure Centre, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Noak Hill Sports Complex and Sapphire Ice and Leisure will remain closed due to the restrictions.
Registration service Death registration continues and service will make contact with the bereaved family to make the appointment.
Parks and open spaces Outdoor playgrounds can remain open but please ensure you follow the guidelines when using them. Hand sanitiser should be applied before and after children use any climbing frames and swings. Please respect other park users and follow social distancing guidelines. If a bin is full, please find another bin or take your rubbish home with you.
If you have been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), then there is specific guidance to help keep you safe during the national restrictions. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There are two ways you may be identified as clinically extremely vulnerable: 1. You have one or more serious health conditions, such as being a solid organ transplant recipient, or have a specific cancer, for example. Government guidance on who should shield: shorturl.at/nrHJS 2. Your hospital clinician or GP has added you to the Shielded patients list because, based on their clinical judgement, they deem you to be at higher risk of serious illness if you catch the virus If you are currently employed, and cannot work from home, you may also be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESP). Your employer may choose to furlough you.
What you can and cannot do You can still go outside to exercise and to attend medical appointments. To minimise your risk, you are strongly encouraged to: Stay at home as much as possible Not to travel unless it is essential – i.e. for exercise or medical appointments Not to meet anyone who isn’t in your household or support bubble indoors Exercise once a day - you may meet one person from outside your household or bubble for exercise outdoors – but should maintain social distancing Avoid public transport - if you need to travel, walk or cycle if you can Avoid shopping or visiting the pharmacy. Use online ordering services if possible, or ask a friend or family member to collect your shopping and medicines for you You may wish to consider wearing a face covering when you meet people, and asking the people you meet with to do the same Maintain strict social distancing with anyone outside your household or support bubble Further Advice You can find further advice on what a national lockdown means for you at www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support. This will provide up-to-date information on how the lockdown affects Havering and the government support available to you during this time. You can also get advice by looking at the COVID pages on our website. It is important that you continue to look after yourself, and seek support from the NHS if you’re concerned about your health. Call 111 if you have an urgent medical need, or are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus and need a test. Always dial 999 for medical emergencies.
The Havering Community Hub The Havering Community Hub is a great place to access a wide range of Council and community support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The site offers lots of interactive features, including an online community café, live-streamed events and online notice boards. It also contains important information on how to access frontline Council services, and you can find community support and activities run by local charities through the hub. Visit the hub at: www.haveringcommunityhub.com or download the app on the App Store or on Google Play. If you need help getting online, please call Havering Community Hub on 01708 433 780 for more help and advice.
If you’re suffering from financial hardship because of coronavirus, including inability to pay rent, council tax or other bills, then please telephone us – we can help! Our Emergency Assistance Fund provides extra support to families with children who are on welfare benefits or on a low income to help pay for food, energy bills or essential items such as warm clothing, blankets, repairs and white goods replacement. For more information visit www.dabd.org.uk If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace because you test positive for COVID-19 or have been told to self-isolate by them, then there is a support payment for working people on low incomes. Go to www.havering.gov.uk/covid19moneyadvice for more information and to apply. If you cannot afford to make Council Tax payments then you may be eligible for Council Tax Support, longer-term payment plans or a council tax discretionary hardship payment. For more information visit www.havering.gov.uk/counciltax If you are a council tenant and you do not think you are going to be able to pay your rent, you can claim Universal Credit straight away. If you are a private tenant, you can claim Universal Credit straight away and you should speak to your landlord about the situation. You can begin your claim at www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit or telephone 0800 328 5644 for help. If you receive Universal Credit and are still struggling with your rent you may be able to claim a discretionary housing payment. See www.havering.gov.uk/hbdhp for more information and how to apply.
F or further help: Contact our Welfare Rights Unit on 01708 434444 – leave a message and one of our officers will get back to you as soon as possible. Council tenants can contact Havering Council’s Money & Advice service for assistance at welfare.reforms@havering.gov.uk, or on 01708 434000, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Keeping your home winter safe With the cold weather here, it’s good to make sure your home remains winter safe. Keep your heating on a regular, low temperature to prevent condensation and mould build-up Test your boiler and heating system by turning up your thermostat and valves on each radiator for a short while - if everything is working correctly, all of your radiators should get hot Make sure external or exposed water pipes are properly insulated, including outside taps, to stop water freezing in the pipes If a pipe bursts, quickly turn your water off at the stopcock. Make sure you know where the stopcock is, and check that it works. Havering’s housing service will continue to operate as normal, ensuring we are following Government guidance to keep everyone safe. If you are a Havering Council tenant and need emergency repairs, please call our customer service centre (01708 434000) so we can arrange a repair visit.
Scams As we spend more time at home, you should watch out for criminals and scammers taking advantage the coronavirus crisis.
Follow our advice to avoid the scammers: Not sure who it is? Don’t open the door unless you know the person on the other side Distraction burglars normally work in pairs. Their aim is to trick their way into your home to steal money or valuables Check for ID – scammers may call at your door pretending to be officials, claiming to be from the Council, Police, health services and utility companies. Real callers will always carry ID and will be happy for you to call the company to check Bogus traders – Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work or buying a product or service. Never pay cash up front or offer to go and get money. Some may claim they are collecting for charity, or they need something from your house such as water for their car or need to use your phone False alarms - Ignore tactics that try to cause alarm, such asking to enter your property to turn off water urgently if you have not reported an issue Ignore offers from people to shop or collect medication with money demanded up front Don’t advertise your goods - keep valuables and important documents, such as passports, out of sight Be aware of people offering fake miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus Always check the that products are authentic and where they come from, when buying online Be aware of any messaging on a mobile phone that requests personal information – remember your bank or the Police will never ask for that over the phone
Information on vaccine The vaccine will be made available on the NHS for free to people in priority groups, and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. Most people will receive a letter either from their GP or the national NHS booking system; this will include all the information you will need, including your NHS number. The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank detail and at the moment, the NHS are not making house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine.
Useful contacts: If you think you have been scammed, report it to the Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 If you just need advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999 Contact your bank if you think you have been financially scammed Age UK run a telephone support service (for older people and carers) 01865 411288
Winter wellness Keeping well this winter is key, especially as we’re trying to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking after your health is important and making sure you that you keep hospital appointments and contact your doctor if you’re unwell is crucial. We know some people have been fearful about going into hospitals or burdening their GP, but GPs and hospitals are still open for business, although they are operating in a different way. Most appointments are now via a telephone appointment and you can contact your GP through their practice website, using the NHS app on your telephone. If you do have to visit, strict infection controls and measures are in place to ensure your safety. It’s important that you continue to attend routine appointments, such as antenatal check-ups, cancer screenings and vaccinations.
If you need medical help get medical help if you think you need it keep any appointments or procedures you have booked – unless you’re told not to go go to hospital if you are advised to. NHS services have made changes to make sure it’s safe for you to be seen during coronavius. There are also ways to get medical help and prescriptions online or over the phone. Call 111 if you have an urgent medical need, or 999 in an emergency.
Rough sleepers During periods of very cold weather, rough sleepers will be offered emergency accommodation. If you see a rough sleeper, you can help by telling StreetLink by calling 0300 500 0914, or online at www.streetlink.org.uk. This will help us find the rough sleeper and get them the help they need. If someone is in immediate danger, needs urgent care, or appears to be under 18, please contact the police. For more information, visit: www.havering.gov.uk/homelessness.
Free school meals As we did back in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, our schools catering service will provide meals for pupils in school and will also be providing meal packs for families where children are already eligible for free school meals. Schools will be in touch with parents to arrange this. Free school meals are for children eligible for benefit-related free school meals and not the universal infant free school meals. Councillor White said, “I’m proud that throughout this crisis – whether during lockdown or school holidays, our Council has moved to provide free school meals – ensuring our most vulnerable children do not go hungry.”
Have the pressures of the past year left you feeling not quite yourself?
www.havering.gov.uk/benicetoyournoggin Can’t access the internet? Give Mind Havering a call on 01708 457 040 between Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm, or Saturday and Sunday between 10am – 3pm, for advice on the support available to help you.
Anyone needing to speak to a specific department or service should use these numbers between 9am and 5pm on weekdays: Main switchboard: 01708 434343 Covid helpline: 0800 368 5201 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 11am to 4pm for emergencies only. covid19support@havering.gov.uk Adult Social Services: 01708 432000 Children’s Social Services/Safeguarding Team: 01708 433222 Council Tax: 01708 433997 Environment/Streetcare: 01708 432563 Housing Benefit: 01708 433996 ousing Services (Repairs/Rents/PSL/Welfare benefits H advice): 01708 434000 Housing Solutions/Homelessness enquiries: 01708 432824 Payment line: 01708 433993 Planning and Building Control: 01708 433100 School Admissions: 01708 434600