MyWestminster - 7 April 2021

[Westminster City Council]

Important updates for Westminster residents

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/westminster/mywestminster-coronavirus-update-145586?e=7e37558eca)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/


** Wednesday 7 April 2021
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https://mcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SafeRamadan-2021-MCB-guidance.pdf
RAMADAN MUBARAK: Ahead of Ramadan starting next week, we understand that the Muslim holy month will have a different feel to it this year, even with the slight easing of restrictions. The Muslim Council of Britain has published a guide that includes tips for observing Ramadan safely (https://mcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SafeRamadan-2021-MCB-guidance.pdf) .

Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, says: “Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan will again be a different experience for Muslims in Westminster but I hope you can safely celebrate with your families and communities, whether that’s at home, virtually, or with up to six people or two households outdoors.”


** Public Health Updates
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ASTRAZENECA VACCINE UPDATE: The Medicines Regulator, the MHRA, has this afternoon confirmed the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19 continue to outweigh the risks, despite a possible link between the vaccination and extremely rare and unlikely specific blood clots.

Up to and including 31 March, 20.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine had been given in the UK meaning the overall risk of these blood clots is approximately four people in every million who receive that vaccine.

The advice continues to be that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any risks and that vaccines are still the best way to protect against COVID-19. However, anyone who is at a higher risk of specific types of blood clots because of their medical condition should speak to their GP before receiving their COVID-19 vaccination.

Anyone who did not have these side effects should come forward for their second dose when invited. The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. For people aged 30 or over and those with other health conditions, the NHS advises that the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh any risk of clotting problems (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/) . For people under 30 without other health conditions, it’s currently advised that it’s preferable to have another COVID-19 vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

More details on this can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-advice-concluding-a-possible-link-between-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-and-extremely-rare-unlikely-to-occur-blood-clots) .
http://nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine
GET YOUR VACCINATION AND KEEP WESTMINSTER SAFE: We have vaccine appointments available for this week across Westminster. If you’re aged 50 or over, are a carer or have an underlying health condition, it’s time to get your COVID vaccination. To book your appointment, visit the NHS coronavirus website (http://nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine) or call NHS 119 for free.

You can now book an appointment at the following pop-up vaccination sites:

* The London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre, NW8 7RG (pictured here): Open Sunday 11 April from 10am to 12pm. Register by calling 0203 859 8691, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
* Portmans Pharmacy, Tachbrook Street, SW1V 2QA: Visit the pharmacy or call 02078342816 to book an appointment. Information on dates and opening times here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/event/pop-covid-19-vaccination-centre) .

COVID-19 VACCINE VIRTUAL EVENTS: On Thursday 8 April at 8.15pm, the London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre (see above for address) is hosting a virtual ‘all you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/Covid vaccine event 8 April 2021.pdf) ’ event. Speakers include Dr Muhammed Umar Ebrahimsa – a specialist in infectious diseases – and Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan, Director General of the ICC.

Also on Thursday 8 April, from 6pm to 7.30pm, you can join the Royal African Society in partnership with Public Health England and the NHS for a discussion on COVID-19 and vaccination choices (https://royalafricansociety.org/event/rain-does-not-fall-on-one-roof-alone-covid-19-vaccination-choices/) . Speakers include Professor of Public History, Professor David Olusoga; Regional Director of Public Health for the East of England, Dr Aliko Ahmed; plus GP and Director of Health Inequalities for NHS England, Dr Bola Owolabi.
SYMPTOM-FREE TESTING FOR EVERYONE: From Friday 9 April, regular, twice-weekly, symptom-free testing will be available for everyone who lives, works and visits Westminster. Regular testing of people without symptoms will help to find cases that would otherwise go undetected and is important to help stop the virus spreading and protect your loved ones.

Visit our website for a list of locations (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/testing) at which you will be able to collect free, fast and easy to use tests, seven days a week with no need to book in advance. You can also order free home test kits at GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests) .


** Council Updates
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary#step-1---8-and-29-march
STEP 2 OF THE COVID-19 ROADMAP: From Monday 12 April, Step 2 on the roadmap out of national lockdown comes into effect. This means:
* Non-essential retail, including hairdressers and nail salons, as well as public buildings such as libraries and community centres will reopen.
* Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, will also reopen although social distancing rules will still apply in these settings.
* Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen for people on their own or with their household only.
* Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors. There’s no need to order a ‘substantial meal’ with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.
* Care home residents will be allowed a second regular visitor indoors with whom they will be allowed to hold hands but should otherwise avoid close contact. Visitors will be asked to provide a negative COVID test result and wear PPE.
* Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
* The numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15, while funerals can continue with up to 30 people.

The official ‘Stay at Home’ rule has now ended, but please continue to work from home wherever possible. Even though Westminster, along with the rest of the country, is beginning to reopen, it is still vital – now more than ever – that we continue to follow the safety guidelines while outdoors and remember:
* �� Hands
* �� Face
* ⬅️ Space ➡️
* �� Fresh Air

You can read the full guidance on the Government’s website (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary#step-1---8-and-29-march) , and all local advice and updates on our coronavirus updates page (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/latest-coronavirus-updates) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/businesses/coronavirus-helping-hand-businesses/temporary-al-fresco-schemes-road-closures
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Our popular al fresco programme will be returning from 12 April (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/al-fresco-dining-set-return-across-westminster-help-struggling-businesses) , when restaurants, pubs and bars re-open to outdoor diners. The temporary measures will remain throughout the summer months and will support the same set of streets that saw diners gathering on outdoor tables last year. The details of which roads will be closed and where parking will be suspended can be viewed here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/businesses/coronavirus-helping-hand-businesses/temporary-al-fresco-schemes-road-closures) .

To avoid travelling into Westminster at busy times, you can plan your journey by using TFL’s handy station traffic web app (https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjQ0M2UwODgtMDY0Zi00OGNlLTkwNjQtZWJiOGQyY2U1ODNmIiwidCI6IjFmYmQ2NWJmLTVkZWYtNGVlYS1hNjkyLWEwODljMjU1MzQ2YiIsImMiOjh9) . Just select the location of your choice from the menu to see when it’s quieter to travel. And don’t forget that from Monday, shops along Oxford Street and Regent Street will have long opening hours meaning you can space out your shopping trips more effectively and maintain social distancing more easily.
WESTMINSTER GETS RE-ACTIVE: With all seven of our leisure centres (https://active.westminster.gov.uk/fit-for-business/) set to reopen this Monday, all Westminster residents can benefit from great discounts at our gyms and swimming pools thanks to the ActiveWestminster card (https://active.westminster.gov.uk/card/) .

We want everyone to be able to lead active lives whatever their age or ability, so the card is free for anyone living or studying in the City. Head to our website to apply today (https://active.westminster.gov.uk/card/) .

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-lions-easter-challenge-creative-expression-competition-registration-142877224625

CALLING ALL YOUNG CREATIVES: This Easter break, in collaboration with Oakray, the City Lions are challenging you to a creative expression competition (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-lions-easter-challenge-creative-expression-competition-registration-142877224625) . Submit a piece of creative expression on how the pandemic has changed young people’s lives by 19 April and you could win a brand new tablet!
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx#FormId=FcHYUH-3lUOjujtAfK8NiAUI2PIUkN9MvNRvnaFuMVhUMEw0WEJDUFRKRkxMREpMRDhUVFZRRlVVTC4u&Token=00511b6feea04e1b9a9197ab7ee6b2ce
GET YOUR PODS ON: Ever wanted your own podcast? Join experts in the Sounds From Our City workshop series (https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx#FormId=FcHYUH-3lUOjujtAfK8NiAUI2PIUkN9MvNRvnaFuMVhUMEw0WEJDUFRKRkxMREpMRDhUVFZRRlVVTC4u&Token=00511b6feea04e1b9a9197ab7ee6b2ce) for 13 to 18-year-olds throughout Westminster. You’ll learn how to record, edit and create your own broadcasts and, as part of the Westminster Creative Collective, the final podcasts will be played during this summer’s exhibitions. Whether you’re a podcasting beginner, or you’ve had some experience and want to learn more, it’s a great opportunity to be part of the conversation. Sign up today (https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx#FormId=FcHYUH-3lUOjujtAfK8NiAUI2PIUkN9MvNRvnaFuMVhUMEw0WEJDUFRKRkxMREpMRDhUVFZRRlVVTC4u&Token=00511b6feea04e1b9a9197ab7ee6b2ce) !
https://businesswestminster.com/business-enterprise/voids-activation-pop-up-project-call-for-pop-up-occupiers/
CALL FOR POP-UP ART OCCUPIERS: We are celebrating Art of London’s Art in Every Form principle (https://artoflondon.co.uk/about) by providing a unique opportunity (https://businesswestminster.com/business-enterprise/voids-activation-pop-up-project-call-for-pop-up-occupiers/) for UK artists and start-ups to activate ‘void premises’ to showcase their work. Vacant retail premises in the Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square areas will become free art incubators for a period of up to three months, giving emerging artists and local talent maximum exposure. It will create spaces for art in every form to be celebrated, produced and experienced through activities that encourage audience engagement. The application process for a pop-up space closes on 11 April (https://businesswestminster.com/business-enterprise/voids-activation-pop-up-project-call-for-pop-up-occupiers/) .
https://youtu.be/euCZe-EpXQo
CENSUS 2021 – STILL TIME TO TAKE PART: Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to complete this year’s census (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/census2021) . If you’ve yet to take part, you still have until 4 May to fill it out online, or until early June to send back the paper version. We’d particularly still like to hear from residents in:
* Bryanston and Dorset Square
* Hyde Park (including Paddington)
* Knightsbridge and Belgravia
* Lancaster Gate
* Marylebone
* St. James’s
* West End (including Mayfair)

The census only takes ten minutes to complete and is a vital tool in ensuring local services receive the correct amount of funding (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/census2021) from the Government.
https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=4f566bf19d
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST GREEN NEWS: The next edition of our regular Environment News email will soon be landing. With stories on a greener Oxford Street, projects to clean up the Thames, tips on growing your own food and much, much more, make sure you don’t miss out.

Sign up here to make your inbox a little bit greener and cleaner (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=4f566bf19d) .


** What’s on in Westminster
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These are just some of the events taking place in Westminster during the next seven days. For a full list of things to do, check out the Events pages on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/events) .
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/searching-for-londons-lost-rivers-with-dr-tom-bolton-tickets-147250306631

SEARCHING FOR LONDON'S LOST RIVERS: Join Dr Tom Bolton to for a journey down through the layers of London to rediscover the lost rivers of her past.
* Starts: Sunday, 11 April at 6.30pm
* How to join: Book your place via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/searching-for-londons-lost-rivers-with-dr-tom-bolton-tickets-147250306631)
* Cost: Free

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlie-chaplins-london-looking-for-easy-street-tickets-134417399059

CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S LONDON: To mark his 131st birthday, the British Film Institute explores the almost Dickensian youth of one of the most influential Londoners of all time.
* Starts: Wednesday, 14 April at 7pm
* How to join: Book your place via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlie-chaplins-london-looking-for-easy-street-tickets-134417399059)
* Cost: Free

http://bit.ly/easterwcc2021

FREE EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES: We are continuing to host events for children and young people who live or study in Westminster throughout the Easter holiday. From basketball and football, to learning a musical instrument – there’s something for everyone!
* Starts: Multiple dates throughout Easter
* How to join: Visit our events page for details (http://bit.ly/easterwcc2021)
* Cost: Free


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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus-helping-hand-residents

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/businesses/coronavirus-helping-hand-businesses

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents

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