MyWestminster - Coronavirus Daily Update

Wed Apr 1 19:54:23 BST 2020

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** Issue 15, 1st April 2020
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We know that these are unsettling times for everyone. We are providing daily updates to ensure that you're connected to what we are doing to support our community and businesses. You can opt-out at any time by clicking here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=bd2a0fcc47&e=7e37558eca&c=35d094b4cb) .

The only reason to leave home is to:

✓ Shop for basic necessities, pick up medicine, travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home and exercise once a day - alone or with members of your household.

X Do not meet others, even friends or family.

** Latest Government update
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Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, held today's government press conference where he announced the following:
* From today, businesses will start benefiting from £22bn in the form of business rates relief and grants of up to £25,000.
* High street banks are working very hard to help through this period, including through mortgage holidays and increased credit facilities.
* Loans for businesses are also being issued through the Covid business disruption loan scheme. The Chancellor, together with the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority, wrote to the chief executives of UK banks to urge them to make sure the benefits of the loan scheme are passed to businesses and consumers. He said it would be completely unacceptable for any banks to unfairly refuse funds to good businesses in financial difficulty.

** Latest from Westminster City Council
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Please find below the latest updates and advice on local services in response to coronavirus.

ROUGH SLEEPING: We are working very hard to ensure that we offer support to people rough sleeping during this public health crisis. We have so far housed over 230 people in hotels and we are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and the Greater London Authority to source additional accommodation across London. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you should contact Street Link (https://www.streetlink.org.uk/?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) .
Find out more about what the council is doing to support rough sleepers (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651#rough-sleeping-) .

WESTMINSTER CONNECTS: We have created an interactive map for those who need help or know others who need support. It shows the locations of organisations in Westminster that are assisting residents through COVID-19, the kinds of support they offer, and how to get in touch. The map and list of organisations will continue to be updated and you can view it here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-map-local-organisations?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) .

REGISTRARS: The register office has temporarily closed. However, if you need to register a death or stillbirth, you can make an appointment to do so by telephone. Our team will be on hand to help you through the process and make sure your needs are met. Read more (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651#registrar039s-office---births-deaths-citizenship-and-marriages)

BUSINESS UNIT AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE: The Westminster Business Unit and Westminster Employment Service are changing the way they run drop-in surgeries. Officers from both services will be available for telephone consultations of up to 15 minutes to address any business or employment related enquiries you may have. You can book these anytime from Monday to Friday, 9-5pm.

Book an appointment:
* Business Unit: businessunit at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:businessunit at westminster.gov.uk) / 020 7641 2070
* Westminster Employment Service: employmentteam at westminster.gov.uk/ 020 7641 3460

CITIZENS ADVICE: Citizens Advice are on hand to support Westminster residents with money problems, paying your rent or mortgage, employment, benefits and sick pay, travel information and more. Although their offices are closed, you can contact their helpline on 0300 330 1191. See their website for more information (https://www.westminstercab.org.uk/?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) .

TAXICARD: Taxicard is a scheme for London residents with serious mobility or sight impairments. During the coronavirus crisis, London Councils are varying the rules of the scheme. Members can use the subsidy to get drivers to pick up and deliver essential supplies for them, or for friends and family to travel on their behalf. See information on getting or using a Taxicard (https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) .

MARKETS: To ensure that communities continue to have access to groceries, and following the current government guidance, our markets remain open for essential food shopping. To make sure they can stay open, please remember to follow the Government’s advice on social distancing and stay two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
Click here for more information (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)

** Public health advice
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As of 9am on 1 April, a total of 29,474 have tested positive for coronavirus. As of 5pm on 31 March, of those hospitalised in the UK, 2,352 have sadly died. There are 301 confirmed cases in Westminster.

Currently, the number of confirmed cases does not reflect the likely number of individuals who have contracted coronavirus.  This is because community testing is no longer being undertaken.

Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
This includes people of all ages – even if you do not have any symptoms or other health conditions.

It's crucial to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) for a guide on the simple steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing and here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) for supporting children and young people.
Click here for the latest NHS info (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)

** Don't leave your home if you have coronavirus symptoms
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Do not leave your home if you have either:
* a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
* a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.
If you are concerned then contact NHS 111 online (https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)

We have created an interactive map for those who need help or know others who need support. It shows the locations of organisations in Westminster that are assisting residents through COVID-19, the kinds of support they offer, and how to get in touch. The map and list of organisations will continue to be updated and you can view it here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-map-local-organisations?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) .

Our dedicated phone number for Westminster Connects is available from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. If you need help or you know of anyone who needs help as a result of COVID-19, please send us the details (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/ask-help?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)   (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/ask-help?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651) or phone us on 020 7641 1222.

If you are concerned about an adult who you think requires social care and support or you have a safeguarding concern, phone 020 7641 1444 or 020 7641 1175 or email: adultsocialcare at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:adultsocialcare at westminster.gov.uk)

If you are concerned about a child and you have a safeguarding concern, phone: 0207 641 4000 or email AccesstoChildrensServices at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:AccesstoChildrensServices at westminster.gov.uk)

Westminster Connects has been created to connect volunteers with those in need of help during the coronavirus outbreak. If you would like to volunteer, please do so by contacting the Westminster Connects team via the links below.
Register to volunteer as an individual (https://airtable.com/shrAXhe5ABMIlJCfQ?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)
Register to volunteer as an organisation (https://airtable.com/shrTAqjK6xMjyvpvI?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-businesses?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents?utm_source=Combined+VFM+and+MyWestminster+List&utm_campaign=35d094b4cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-35d094b4cb-40059651

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