I’m writing to you with my latest update on the response to the
Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic in
Harrow. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌


[CV Update from GT]

Dear John,

🦠 Over the past week, Harrow has seen 72 cases of coronavirus,
which is down 7 cases from last week. The rate per 100,000 is down
to 28 in Harrow today, down from 48 at this time last month. Across
North West London, we have now seen the administration of 1.35
MILLION VACCINES - with the focus in Harrow to reach 92.5% coverage
across cohort groups 1-9 over the next week. All residents aged 38
and older, are now being invited to receive the vaccine
[[link removed]] . 

Whilst the level of Covid-19 circulating in the community remains
lower than a few weeks ago, we are seeing a small rise in cases,
however, it is important to state that we are seeing a significant
decrease in the number of hospitalisations and deaths attributed to
the virus.

🚧 UPDATE ON THE NEW COVID-19 VARIANT, B1617.2 🚧

FOLLOWING A CALL WITH THE VACCINE MINISTER ON FRIDAY MORNING PLEASE
FIND THE BELOW UPDATE:

⚠️There have been 72 'clusters' of the new Indian variant found in
the UK (B1617.2) with 10 of these clusters being more than 20 cases. 

⚠️By region, London had the highest number of confirmed and
suspected cases of the mutant variant - 400 as of Wednesday,
accounting for almost a third of total Covid cases in the capital.

⚠️This new variant is more infectious but there is no new evidence
that it makes people more sick.

⚠️There is emerging evidence that the vaccine could be 'less
protective' against the new variant. 

⚠️In areas of need, the vaccination programme may be flexed, with
a potential focus of earlier second doses. 

⚠️The Government has said they will work with local communities to
arrange surge testing in specific areas to isolate the spread. We do
not yet know if there will be surge testing for cases of the Indian
variant in Harrow (this will be based on genomic sequencing) but this
is being watched closely.

⚠️So far, surge testing has been launched in 15 areas, including
Bolton, Formby and parts of London, while increased genomic sequencing
and enhanced contact tracing are among other measures being used to
prevent the spread of the variant.

Hospital admissions are down at a local level and it is clear the
vaccines are effective in terms of hospitalisation and severe
infections. Please take the vaccine when it is offered to you. Stay
safe and continue to follow the Public Health guidance - I will
continue to keep you updated. We must not show complacency as
restrictions ease.

My thoughts continue to be with the loved ones of those who have died,
and with those who have contracted the virus. Again, I can only begin
to imagine the sense of fear and loss families must be feeling. 

I hope readers continue to stay safe and regularly check in on loved
ones.  As always, people are being urged to remain vigilant for any
symptoms of Covid-19 If you're feeling unwell with any of the symptoms
of Covid, a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss of or
change to taste or smell, it's vital that you get tested. If you feel
fine and are leaving the house on a regular basis – please do get a
free rapid test and help stop the asymptomatic spread via 
[link removed]

The response to Coronavirus is being directed by Government centrally
working with Public Health England, the Government’s advice
is available here
[[link removed]]. Government
assistance specifically for businesses  is available here
[[link removed]].  

A reminder that if you need to get in touch about the issues covered
here – or anything else – please contact my office on 0207 219
4243 or e-mail me at [email protected]. Please bear
with us, as we have received five times our regular casework
correspondence in recent months.

🚧 ROADMAP CHANGES FROM TOMORROW 🚧

[170521 Changes]

The third phase of the roadmap out of lockdown comes into effect
TOMORROW, Monday 17th May 2021. These changes include:

🏠You can now meet as two households or rule of six, indoors and
outdoors 

💪🏼Gyms and team sports can continue both indoors and outdoors 

⛱️Holidays can take place at home and abroad (please note the
traffic light system in place🚦) 

🍝You can dine at restaurants and bars as two households or rule of
six, indoors and outdoors 

💍Weddings can now be attended by 30 guests 

🛐Cultural venues are now open 

🎶Live events can take place at a 50% capacity 

🏫Schools and childcare remain open 

⚠️Nightclubs are still closed for the time being 

Whilst these restrictions indicate a return to normalcy, I still urge
all to follow the rules and keep others safe.  The response to
Coronavirus is being directed by Government centrally working with
Public Health England, the Government’s advice is available
here. Government assistance specifically for
businesses is available here.  

RED, AMBER AND GREEN LIST RULES FOR TRAVEL ✈️

Last week, the Government announced GREEN, AMBER AND RED LISTS for
travelling abroad. RED AND AMBER COUNTRIES are not yet permitted for
travel for the purpose of leisure. If you have been in one of these
countries in the 10 days before entering the UK, you must follow the
relevant quarantining rules.

However, FROM TOMORROW, there are a new GREEN LIST of countries and
territories. People arriving from green list countries will not have
to quarantine, although will still need to fill out a passenger
locator form, have a pre-departure test and a test on or before day 2
of their return.

You must only have been in or travelled through a green list country
or the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days for these rules to
apply.

GREEN LIST COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES (FROM MAY 17):

• Australia

• Brunei

• Falkland Islands

• Faroe Islands

• Gibraltar

• Iceland

• Israel and Jerusalem

• New Zealand

• Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)

• Singapore

• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Full details on the lists and rules can be found
here: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

BYRON HALL MASS VACCINATION CENTRE

[Byron Hall]

Byron Hall mass vaccination centre is now open. All those aged 38 and
older, are being invited to receive the vaccine. If you live in Harrow
or the surrounding area and you have not yet had your Covid-19
vaccine, you can now book into Byron Hall
here: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

When you attend for your vaccine please bring some ID with you and
your NHS number if you have it.

THE VACCINE IS CURRENTLY BEING GIVEN TO:

• people aged 40 and over

• people who will turn 40 before 1 July 2021

• people at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely
vulnerable)

• people who live or work in care homes

• health and social care workers

• people with a condition that puts them at higher risk (clinically
vulnerable)

• people with a learning disability

• people who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19

- Visit the nhs.uk website for more info and guidance on how to
book: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

HARROW COUNCIL

[HC Covid-19]

The council has a webpage covering their own response to the
coronavirus pandemic, this is regularly being updated and is
available here.  
[[link removed]]

BOOK A FREE TEST ONLINE
[[link removed]] OR
CALL 119

😷 GETTING TESTED AT A LOCAL TESTING CENTRE: 🧪

[Feel Fine? Get Tested.]

FEEL FINE? GET TESTED

 

Rapid test centres are opening across Harrow and have stopped hundreds
of people from spreading Coronavirus so far. 1 IN 3 people with Covid
do not display any symptoms & mobile units across Harrow have already
identified hundreds of people who did not know they were Covid
positive

You can test at 18 sites across Harrow, including at many pharmacies,
open 7 days a week. 

BOOK A FREE TEST: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

[Get a test]

AS ALWAYS, BOOK A TEST IF:

• You have coronavirus symptoms: 🤒 fever and/or new and
continuous cough and/or loss of or change to sense of taste or smell

• You are an ‘essential worker’ who is not having symptoms

• You have been asked by NHS Test & Trace or Harrow Council to have
a test

BOOK A FREE TEST  [[link removed]] - TESTS MUST
BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. 

RESTART GRANTS

Restart Grants for businesses affected by the coronavirus restrictions
are now open for applications. The Restart Grant is a one-off grant,
payable to eligible businesses that were mandated to close under the
recent national lockdown and those predominantly reliant on
delivering in-person services to the general public in the
non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

You can see more details on eligibility and apply for the
grant here: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

FINDING SUPPORT

The renewed lockdown measures will have created anxiety and stress for
many. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you are worried about
your mental health: SAMARITANS: 116 123, CALM: 0800 58 58
58, YOUNG MINDS:0800 018 2138, THE MIX (UNDER 25S): 0808 808 4994,
HARROW COUNCIL ALSO ENCOURAGE CALLING THE CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 0208
901 2698

HARROW TALKING THERAPIES

If you're anxious, feeling low or stressed about the impact of the
virus on you or loved ones, Harrow Talking Therapies Service is here
to help.

Part of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy service, it
supports people feeling isolated or worrying about what's going on, as
well those dealing with depression, bereavement and insomnia. 

Available via phone or video
call: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE

The council continues to operate a hotline telephone number during
weekends in order to provide support to those in need of assistance in
Harrow - if you are in need of support due to Covid please give the
hotline a call - 0208 901 2698

GUIDE TO TAX DEBT AND MENTAL HEALTH​

[link removed]
[[link removed]]

Some of the topics in the above guide to tax debt and mental health
will be of support to constituents, in order to:

Understand the impact of debt to mental health - the different kinds
of debt (e.g. tax debt) and how they can be a key source of stress,
depression, and anxiety if not planned and managed properly.

Advice for dealing with debt such as setting up a Debt Management Plan
or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), qualifying for a Debt
Relief Order (DRO), or even filing bankruptcy to get some protection
and keep life essentials like pension savings safe from creditors.

What to do if debt problems begin affecting your mental health. This
includes recognizing the symptoms and early warning signs of mental
health problems associated with debt as well as advice on where to
turn to for help and support.

Other useful information and resources, including debt charities and
organisations that are dedicated to helping people conquer their debt
problems.

SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS

Anyone that is experiencing domestic abuse can now go into a Boots or
an independent chemist and seek help. If they say the codeword
‘ANI’ (pronounced Annie), they’ll be taken to a private room
and asked if they want to call 999 or a domestic abuse helpline. ANI
stands for Action Needed Immediately.

📞NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE 0808 2000 247

📞RESPECT HELPLINE FOR MALE VICTIMS OF ABUSE 0808 8010327

FIRM FOUNDATION

Due to COVID - FirmFoundation have suspended drop-in facilities. If
you are homeless and rough sleeping, you can call Streetlink on 0300
5000 914. Ring Harrow Council on 020 8424 1093 – you can also
contact FirmFoundation through the Contact Us page on their website or
call the office on 02084265515.

FRESH HORIZONS CND

The Fresh Horizons CND charity based in Wembley has supported
accommodation available for the single homeless in Harrow during the
ongoing coronavirus restrictions. If you or someone you know is in
need of supported accommodation, Fresh Horizons can be contacted by
telephone at 0300 321 4702 or via email at [email protected]

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Harrow Council, Harrow CCG, and Young Harrow Foundation have put
together a joint document
[[link removed]] signposting
residents to a collection of some of the most helpful and trusted
sources of information and guidance for children and young people’s
wellbeing.

For young people (high school and college age), the
document ‘looking after ourselves’ can be found here
[[link removed]] – covering
how to stay healthy, stay connected and learn new skills during this
time.

SUPPORT AND ONLINE RESOURCES FOR THE FAMILY

Harrow Council have collected a range of online resources
[[link removed]]
 for all members of the family to keep entertained while libraries
are closed. You will be able to find resource to help with homework,
eBooks, newspapers and magazines and keeping yourself healthy and
motivated.

Counselling services and mental health support

•       5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing
[[link removed]]
  - A fantastic primer on stress, anxiety and depression from the
NHS. Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your
mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel
more positive and able to get the most out of life.

·       Relate Family Mediation 
[[link removed]] - a
service fully geared up to supporting families through the crisis.
Tel: 0300 0032324 or email [email protected].

·       DAWN [[link removed]]  - provide
a counselling service to the local community of Harrow and its
neighbouring boroughs. Tel: 020 8427 6796 or
email: [email protected]

·       Need To Talk [[link removed]]  - offering
1 to 1 counselling supporting their clients or any client by telephone
or webcam. Tel: call/ text on 07427548559 or
email [email protected]

·       Ignite Trust 
[[link removed]]  - During these challenging
and uncertain times, Ignite Trust is working hard to ensure they
continue to provide support to the boroughs most vulnerable and
at-risk young people. Email [email protected].

·        [[link removed]] Every
Mind Matters [[link removed]] - Expert
advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health
and wellbeing.

CAN YOU PROVIDE SUPPORT?

LONDON'S COMMUNITY KITCHEN

[LCK]

London's Community Kitchen (based at The Bridge, next to Harrow
Leisure Centre) run a FREE SURPLUS FOOD MARKET open to everyone every
FRIDAY from 3-5PM . This operation continues to serve over 10,000
people across Harrow and London. Please consider donating or getting
involved in any way that you can with this incredible Harrow-wide
response to the coronavirus pandemic:
[link removed]
[[link removed]]

If you’re ever in need of their support, the Community Kitchen want
to help - they won’t ask you for any details, or anything in return,
just turn up and they will provide you with food.

VOLUNTEER:

The Community Kitchen would love any support to keep their operation
running as effectively as possible. Please get in touch with Vivette
Morrow: [email protected]  and once you have had a
Covid test, she will help set you up as a volunteer!

HARROW FOODBANK

[Foodbank]

Harrow Foodbank continues to highlight the impact of in-work poverty
and the number of ways that people find themselves at a crisis point.
Donations are accepted in collection bins after checkout at all major
supermarkets. The Foodbank continue to emphasise the majority of its
users are in work, but many are in need of emergency food provisions.
If you can, please consider providing a monetary donation to the food
bank, they have acquired a van and plan to make deliveries to
vulnerable residents across the borough in 2021 - send an email to
[email protected] or visit Harrow.foodbank.org.uk
[/Harrow.foodbank.org.uk ]  [/Harrow.foodbank.org.uk ]for more.

HELP FROM ME

[GT Zoom Surgeries]

I appreciate that whilst this outbreak of Covid-19 is currently
dominating a lot of our thoughts, other concerns and problems do not
disappear. However, to help reduce the spread of infection, I am
asking members of the public who need to contact my office to do so by
phone or email rather than in person and further, I will continue to
hold surgery appointments exclusively by telephone and Zoom video
conferencing. This is a temporary measure and a sensible precaution to
protect vulnerable people.  Please be assured we continue to offer a
full service of advice and support to members of the public who need
it. 

My office can be contacted on [email protected] or by
telephone on 0207 219 4243 (Monday-Friday). Please bear with us, as we
have received five times our regular casework correspondence in recent
months.

STAY SAFE,

GARETH

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Sent by email from the Labour Party, promoted by Keith Ferry on behalf
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The Labour Party, 105 Victoria St Westminster, London, SW1E 6QT, United Kingdom
[link removed]