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Tuesday 7 July 2020
YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 2 July 2020
Coronavirus cases in our borough – setting the record straight!
You may have seen false reports in a couple of the national papers this week around a ‘big’ increase in Covid numbers in our borough. This is not the case. We’ve had 513 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the borough since the pandemic began, and compared to our neighbouring boroughs, where there have been 733 cases in Havering and 779 in Redbridge, our numbers are significantly lower.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, issued a statement about this, to set the record straight, which you can read here.
The Leicester lockdown has shown us we aren’t out of the woods yet, and while some of the lockdown measures are easing this weekend, we all need to remember that we need to continue following government guidance and social distancing measures, to help prevent the spread of the virus.
NHS 72nd anniversary – join us virtually to celebrate this weekend!
This Sunday, 5 July, is the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. 2020 has been the most challenging year in our NHS’s history and this weekend, we are joining the rest of the nation in marking its birthday – and you’re invited. We will be remembering everyone we have lost to Covid-19, and showing our appreciation and thanks to our amazing NHS staff and all those who have supported our community during the pandemic.
As part of the NHS anniversary weekend, we will be joining other national landmarks and lighting up Barking Town Hall in blue light to remember all those that we have lost to coronavirus. We are asking people to join us in remembrance at 8pm on Saturday, by putting a light in your window or doorstep.
Then on Sunday at 5pm, everyone is invited to join (following social distancing) in a minute’s silence, followed by the biggest clap for the NHS, key workers and all the volunteers who are still helping to keep services and community networks going to support people during the pandemic.
Please reply to this email with any pics or videos of you taking part, or feel free to tag us on our Facebook and Twitter channels.
We’re working with businesses as they plan to re-open
As lockdown eases further this weekend with pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas allowed to re-open, our enforcement team will be working closely with business owners to ensure they are following the latest government guidance to make sure their premises are safe for you.
If a business is found not to be complying, enforcement officers will firstly offer advice on what needs to be done, but if nothing changes, the council will be able to issue a Prohibition Notice and will review the premises license under the Licensing Act 2003. This could ultimately mean the business could be closed for a period of time.
Businesses that choose to re-open will be responsible for ensuring that their premises are ‘Covid-secure’ and are required to conduct and implement a risk assessment, which considers the safety of their staff and customers. The government has issued full guidance online here.
If you believe somewhere is open that should be closed or isn’t following government guidance, you can report it online here.
New rules for places of worship
From 4 July, gatherings of more than 30 people will be allowed but only in certain public places as set out in law. This will include places of worship and their surrounding premises. There are however, activities where it is advisable to restrict numbers to 30 within a place of worship for public health reasons, such as weddings and funerals. The government have set out new guidance for those activities as well as how to ensure places of worship are COVID-19 secure. We are working with local faith organisations as they plan for 4 July and beyond.
Whilst taking part in an activity in a place of worship or surrounding grounds, you should adhere to social distancing guidelines.
More details on the government’s new guidance can be found here.
Use our green spaces responsibly
This weekend will understandably be exciting for some residents, especially if you plan to make the most of the lockdown easing a bit. But we need residents to be sensible. If you are planning to spend time in our parks and green spaces, all we ask is that you continue to use them in the right way - when you do your exercise or you meet a small number of friends and family, you must continue with social distancing rules.
Please don’t meet in large groups in our parks or have barbecues as they are not allowed. This isn’t just at the moment – BBQs are a fire hazard, so aren’t allowed in our parks even outside of lockdown. We’re also working on plans for how we can safely reopen outdoor gyms and children’s play areas in the future, with the right cleaning arrangements in place to keep everyone safe so please bear with us and watch this space.
Also, no one wants our parks ruined, so please put your rubbish in the bin or take it home with you – thank you.
Planning for heritage sites to reopen in the future
Following the change to the government’s guidance around the re-opening of museums, we are looking at plans to re-open our heritage sites, Valence House and Eastbury Manor, in the future. Risk assessments are being carried out to make sure both sites are only open to the public again once it is safe to do so, to protect visitors and staff.
While both sites remain closed for now, you can visit both their websites for some educational and fascinating online work and exhibitions, provided by the great staff who work at each site.
