MyWestminster - Coronavirus Daily Update

Sat May 16 13:15:32 BST 2020

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** Weekly round-up, 16th May 2020
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If you would like less frequent coronavirus updates then please take a moment to update your communication preferences (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/profile?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=bd2a0fcc47&e=7e37558eca) .

** Westminster City Council key update
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

VALIANT VOLUNTEERS: Sharon Selby and Colin Dryburgh (pictured) are two of 3000 Westminster Connects volunteers who have been helping the community by delivering food shopping to food banks and vulnerable residents.

After recently retiring from a career in the Met Police, Colin said: “I’ve been in public service all of my working life and this was just a way of carrying on that public service”.

Sharon said: “Whilst the role I play is small, there are so many people out there helping, other charities, organisations providing supplies - it is truly amazing how in times of need everyone pulls together.”

If you would like to find out more about our volunteers in the community you can find updates in this weeks Westminster Connects update (https://mailchi.mp/197a5d18cbe1/westminster-connects-volunteer-update-141010?e=806d52fdf5&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/interactive-map-of-local-shops?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

SHOP LOCAL: We've launched an interactive online map (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/interactive-map-of-local-shops?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651)  where you can find, and support, a variety of local businesses in Westminster. You can easily find out what shops are open for trade, either physically open or offering online services and show your support for local enterprise. Our tool shows the services they offer, opening hours, and how you can get in touch with them.

If you would like your business profiled, then take a moment to sign-up now (https://airtable.com/shrKPXFjhpY2NHYQV?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) .

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Guidance has been published for those who have to use public transport, advising passengers on how to travel safely (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-guidance-published-to-ensure-transport-network-is-safe-for-those-who-need-to-use-it?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) . People are being encouraged to travel by foot or cycle if possible and to shop local. This is to help ensure there is enough safe capacity for those who need to travel on public transport to do so safely.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES: All of us have a stake in following the rules that safeguard our community from coronavirus. Government guidelines mean you can now spend more time outdoors, but please don't forget to keep your 2 metre distance and wash your hands for 20 seconds when you get home.

✓   Keep a safe distance from others (2m apart where possible)
✓   Wear a face covering where it's hard to maintain a safe distance
✓   Keep washing your hands regularly

By continuing to follow social distancing rules we can ensure our parks and green spaces open are open for everybody to enjoy.

If you are confused about any of the changes that have recently taken place then please visit the Q&A here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651)  for some of the most common questions on what you can and can't do.

HELP PAYING FOR YOUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY: The Council has teamed up with The Warm Homes Advice Service to help residents who are experiencing problems with topping up their meters. Help is available to residents aged over 65, on a low income or with a long term disability or health issue. If you have arrears, would like advice on how to save money on your energy bills or to improve health, you can contact the service on 0300 365 5003 or email GreenDoctorsLDN at groundwork.org.uk (mailto:GreenDoctorsLDN at groundwork.org.uk) .
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-lions-virtual-may-half-term-programme-registration-102979123330?aff=mywestminster&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

CITY LIONS VIRTUAL ADVENTURE: The City Lion’s 3-day virtual adventure is back for 13-16 year olds. From Tuesday 26 - Thursday 28 May, there will be fun social sessions and creative workshops from the Games of Thrones TV crew and Burna Boy’s art director. City Lions has limited spaces left for this unique opportunity so take a moment to register your children's interest (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-lions-virtual-may-half-term-programme-registration-102979123330?aff=mywestminster&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) .

LEADER FACEBOOK LIVE: Join Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, on Friday 29 May for another Facebook Live event, where you can ask questions on the Council's response to coronavirus. More details, including the time of the event, will be coming soon. Watch a recording of the Leader’s previous Facebook Live event here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651#your-questions-answered-by-the-leader) .

Mental Health Awareness Week starts on Monday 18 May and this year’s theme is kindness. We would like to share your stories and spread #Kindness because #KindnessMatters! If you have a story about kindness that you're happy to share, please send them to us at communications at westminster.gov.uk

** Government key update
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Key announcements from Government this week include:
* The Government outlined a recovery strategy Phase One that started on Wednesday 13 May. For full details on the recovery strategy visit the website here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651)  or view the FAQs (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) .
* The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, extended the Coronavirus Retention Scheme by four months with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary. More information can be found  (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) here (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) .
* The Chancellor also announced a new scheme for those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The scheme allows you to claim a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly trading profits capped at £7,500 altogether. You can check if you’re eligible here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651#eligible) .
* The Congestion Charge, Ultra Low Emission Zone and Low Emission Zone will be reinstated on Monday 18 May. All NHS and care home workers will be reimbursed for any coronavirus related journeys, including their commute.
* Anyone in England can now move home if they follow new guidance found here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=cdd32750dd&e=d1badfe10a&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651) . This includes completing house purchases and viewing properties in person.
* New guidelines are available to UK employers to help them get their workplaces operating as safely as possible. More information can be found here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=c1b0d6e8c3&e=d1badfe10a&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651)
* £600m has been made available to care homes this week to help control the infection. All care home residents and staff in England, both with and without symptoms, are now being tested. Councils will be undertaking regular reviews of local care homes to ensure that Government safety standards are being met.

** Westminster Connects
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If you need help or know of anyone who needs help as a result of COVID-19, please send the details to westminsterconnects at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:westminsterconnects at westminster.gov.uk)  or phone us on 020 7641 1222. Our phone line is open 9am to 6pm seven days per week.

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)

** Do not 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 such as 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=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-businesses?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=e383c315da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-e383c315da-40059651

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