MyWestminster - 5 January 2021

Tue Jan 5 18:01:24 GMT 2021

Important updates for Westminster residents

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651
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** Tuesday 5 January 2021
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** Message from the Leader of the Council
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Dear resident,

We begin 2021 with London – along with the rest of the country – entering a fresh period of lockdown, a move that will mean new challenges for the people who live and work in Westminster.

As throughout the pandemic, our vulnerable and shielding residents are the council’s priority. Together with our frontline staff working around the clock, we are lucky to have more than 3,000 local people volunteering to help the community as part of the Westminster Connects scheme. They will once again be carrying bags, fetching shopping and conducting pharmacy runs for those who can’t leave their homes.

We are also working flat out to support the coronavirus vaccination programme with test centres and vaccination sites. And while I know parents will be weary at the thought of another stint of online home schooling, we will once again support families in need with laptops and technology.

Now, more than ever, we need the right Government support in place to help businesses recover once lockdown lifts. Our 39,000 businesses include more restaurants, cafes and bars than any other council, so the announcement of £4.6bn in relief from the Chancellor is a welcome step, particularly for the hospitality industry in Westminster which employ tens of thousands of people.

However, I am asking Government to clarify that in the long term our businesses will receive the right kind of financial backing. The economy of Westminster and the West End matters not just to the people who live and work here, but also to the rest of the country - so we need the right measures in place now.

With vaccines now rolling out, I hope 2021 is the year we turn a corner in the coronavirus outbreak and embark on the road to recovery. In the meantime, please remember the key message of staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Rachael Robathan
Leader of Westminster City Council

** National Lockdown Measures
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https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651
NATIONAL LOCKDOWN: As announced by the Prime Minister last night, Monday 4 January, national lockdown measures are now in place across England. This means that you must stay at home and should only go outdoors for a limited set of reasons. These include:
* shopping for basic necessities, either for yourself or for a vulnerable person
* going to work, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
* exercising with your household, support bubble or with just one other person. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area
* meeting your support bubble (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) or childcare bubble (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
* to seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
* to attend education or childcare – for those eligible

More information about the national lockdown measures (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .

** Advice for Vulnerable Residents
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651

ADVICE FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS: If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work. If you cannot work from home, your employer may be able to furlough you under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .

The council is continuing to contact all those who have been identified as clinically vulnerable to check whether they need support. If you are being advised to shield, you will receive an automated call or text message asking if you need support. If you select yes, an officer will call you back to discuss your needs in person.

If you need support, you can also call Westminster Connects directly on 020 7641 1222 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).

You can find more information on getting help with food or medicine delivery as well as local support services on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .

** Council Services
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651
COUNCIL SERVICE UPDATES: As national lockdown measures are now in place across England, changes have been made to our services to continue to support residents.
* SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES – Primary, secondary and special schools, alternative provision and colleges remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) . For children eligible to attend school or college, protective measures are in place to manage and control risks. For all other children, schools will deliver online learning. Free school meal provision will continue through the national lockdown and schools will be in contact with eligible families.
* EARLY YEARS AND CHILDCARE – Early Years settings (including nursery schools and childminders) remain open. If your child attends a school-based nursery, check with the school on their current arrangements. Parents are able to form a childcare bubble with one other household for the purposes of informal childcare, where the child is under 14.
* FAMILY HUBS – Our Family Hub buildings remain open and we are providing support to families in a range of safe ways. If you need support, contact 020 7641 5923 or email bessboroughfamilyhub at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:bessboroughfamilyhub at westminster.gov.uk) .
* LIBRARIES – Our libraries and Archives Centre remain open to provide select and collect services for collecting reservations and returning library items, and access to computers for essential use (not available at Marylebone Library). Visit our website to find online events for adults (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=d0b6b21b6b&e=7f8f665642&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) and regular activities for young people (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=96820c405b&e=7f8f665642&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .
* PLACES OF WORSHIP – You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should maintain strict social distancing at all times.
* PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS – Our parks, outdoor spaces and playgrounds remain open. You can find details at Westminster Parks (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=7bf3482e94&e=7f8f665642&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .
* WASTE AND RECYCLING – Our services will continue to run as usual.

For information on other council services visit our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .

** Public Health Updates
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/testing?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651
GET TESTED: Testing is the most effective way to control the spread of coronavirus and break the chain of transmission. Westminster is now offering two types of testing:
* For people who have symptoms of coronavirus (a new persistent cough, high temperature or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste)
* For people who are not showing any symptoms (this is known as asymptomatic or symptom-free testing)

1 in 3 people have COVID-19 but without symptoms. If you have to leave your home for work purposes, please get tested for coronavirus even if you feel well. The more of us that get tested, the more we’ll be able to stop the spread of the virus, and the faster we can get back to the lives we love.

Click here for full details of testing sites, opening times and how to book a test (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/testing?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651
VACCINES: The NHS in North West London continues to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. We’re continuing to work closely with our NHS partners to support them with the roll out of the vaccines. The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated. It’s important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.

For information about vaccines, visit the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .
BE AWARE OF VACCINE SCAMS: We are aware of a fake text circulating notifying people that they are eligible for the vaccine and asking them to apply by clicking on a link. Once clicked on, a webpage opens asking for personal details to be submitted including payment details. This is a scam. The COVID-19 vaccine is free. The NHS will never ask for payment details and so please ignore this and any future messages or cold calls where you are being asked to give personal information. With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam attempts are likely to continue, as fraudsters continue to take advantage of the rollout to so many people. For more information, visit the Neighbourhood Watch Network website (https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news/fake-text-identifying-you-eligible-covid-19-vaccine?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651) .

** Council Updates
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RECOGNITION FOR WESTMINSTER STAFF: The Queen’s New Year Honours List has been published, and two council staff members have been recognised for their incredible work and achievements. Jayne Vertkin, Head of Early Help, has received an OBE for her services to children in London and Mike Clarke, who recently retired from his role, received an MBE for services to public libraries. Jayne said: “I feel honoured to have been nominated for this award, but mostly extremely lucky to do a job that I love. I work with so many inspirational colleagues who inspire and motivate me daily and I feel privileged to be a part of such a caring organisation.”

Cllr Timothy Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Libraries, said: “What a wonderful way to celebrate 2021! The awards for both Jayne and Mike couldn’t be more deserving and show just how fantastic our services are and how incredible the staff are who make them possible.”

** Know someone who should be receiving this newsletter? Forward this link today. (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=bd2a0fcc47&utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651)
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-businesses?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents?utm_source=MyWestminster+Updates&utm_campaign=c7265785cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_22_10_27_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2a0fcc47-c7265785cc-40059651

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