Haringey's Covid-19 update - 20th March 2020

[Adrian Essex]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Social distancing - a message from Haringey Council Director of Public Health https://mcusercontent.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/265e3758..." width="200" class="CToWUd a6T"/>The government has set out stringent guidelines on social distancing to limit social interaction between people in order to limit the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is important that we strictly follow these guidelines as much as possible to minimise the spread of the illness to the vulnerable members of our community. Haringey Council Director of Public Health Will Maimaris provides guidance on how to carry out social distancing. Read the social distancing guidance (PDF, 85KB)

Latest government advice The government's latest advice is that people who have developed a cough or fever should self-isolate at home for 14 days to avoid further spread of the virus. Their families and those living with them should do the same. Read the NHS tips on self-isolation https://mcusercontent.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/d3af8e11..." width="220" class="CToWUd a6T"/>Residents are also advised to work from home when possible, avoid any unnecessary travel and social interactions, as well as going to pubs, cinemas, theatres or clubs. Please check government advice to obtain the most recent information. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy, or hospital. Visit the NHS website for further information

https://mcusercontent.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/aa22f22f..." width="120" class="CToWUd"/>Leader’s message Earlier this week, Haringey Council Leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor delivered a personal message to Haringey residents about the impact of COVID-19. Read the Leader’s message

Haringey services Haringey is continuing to make sure that whatever happens, we can provide essential services and we are preparing for further impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently all our services are operating normally, with the exception of Bruce Castle Museum and Archive, which will be closed until further notice. All planned events, classes and school visits have been cancelled or postponed until later in the year. Staff shall be remote working and they will provide news and updates via mail-outs. However, they may not be able to assist with complex enquiries at this point. For any queries, please contact [e-mail] All Haringey library events, activities and drop-ins are suspended and there will be no access to Public Network PCs or printing until further notice. In a time where we are social distancing, it is still really important for our health and wellbeing that we continue to take regular exercise. All of our parks are open so take the opportunity to get out and take in some fresh air even if you’re self-isolating, as long as you stay more than two metres away from anyone else.

Schools From this evening (Friday 20 March), schools and nurseries across England will be shut down until further notice. This means that exams scheduled for May and June will not take place. Alternative arrangements to ensure that pupils get the qualifications they need will be given by the government in due course. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/816a..." width="250" class="CToWUd"/>Some schools will be open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers which include those in health and social care, education and childcare, key public services, local and national government, food and other necessary goods, public safety and national security, transport, utilities, communication and financial services. Measures will also be taken to provide for children who are in receipt of free school meals. Read the government's guidance on schools

Businesses https://mcusercontent.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/0cfe31c6..." width="250" class="CToWUd a6T"/>Earlier this week, the Chancellor announced several measures to provide support for businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis. This includes a government-backed loan for access to cash to pay rent, suppliers, staff salaries, or purchase stock; no business rates payments for 12 months, for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors; a three-month mortgage holiday for people experiencing financial difficulty due to coronavirus. The new COVID-19 Bill will also give central government the power to offer any further financial support they feel is necessary. Read more about the government’s support for businesses Also read local updates for businesses on our website: Coronavirus message to businesses from the Leader COVID-19 Business update

Support for families and those in need If you are worried about the impact that coronavirus will have on your money, accessing essential items or accessing the support you need, contact our Connected Communities team who will support you in getting the services you need. https://mcusercontent.com/d154b1b068c54fa3558c3cb26/images/13f7ea92..." width="250" class="CToWUd"/>Connected Communities work with voluntary and community organisations and statutory agencies to deliver access to food and essential supplies, support with social isolation, help with poor mental health and wellbeing. Call Connected Communities on 020 8489 4431. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. For more information, visit our Connected Communities page.

Mental health support If you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of someone you care about, you should call NHS 111 or make an appointment with your GP, who can refer you to the right services. If someone is putting themselves or others in danger now, it’s an emergency and you should call the police on 999. They can arrange an urgent joint assessment with Mental Health services or our Social Workers if it is appropriate. Haringey also offers a service for those who feel they are at breaking point and would like to talk to someone. If you are experiencing anxiety or concerns about your mental health during this difficult time contact our Crisis Hub team on 020 8702 6700. If you feel your mental health is manageable at this point, Good Thinking provide effective tools and resources to help you feel better. Designed for anyone living or working in London, they can help with sleep deprivation, anxiety and stress. Visit the Good Thinking website

Affordable energy during coronavirus crisis Britain’s energy suppliers have joined with the government to launch an emergency package which ensures that vulnerable customers are able to keep the lights on through the coronavirus crisis. Customers with pre-payment metres who are unable to leave their house can now speak to their supplier to get other options. It could include sending someone else to top up their card, having a pre-loaded gas or electricity card sent to them in the post, or having funds added to their credit. Haringey’s partner SHINE London can also provide support to households struggling with their energy bills and can be contacted on 0300 555 0195, email [e-mail] or visit their website. Complete the survey Want to share your views on our Affordable Energy Strategy? Our draft Affordable Energy Strategy sets out our five-year plan to improve the energy efficiency of homes in all tenures. The consultation is still open, so make sure you read the strategy and complete the form before the 31 March deadline. Read Haringey’s Affordable Energy Strategy or email [e-mail] for a consultation summary.

Stay up to date on COVID-19 Information and advice regarding COVID-19 is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The council will be regularly updating our website and sending email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date. Please encourage friends and family to visit the webpage and sign up to the newsletter so they too can stay connected with what's happening in our borough.

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