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


[CV Update]

 

Dear John,

 

🦠 Over the past week, Harrow has seen 160 cases of coronavirus,
which is UP 54 CASES FROM LAST WEEK. Across North West London, we
have now seen OVER 1.4 MILLION VACCINES administered, with Harrow now
the BEST PERFORMING BOROUGH, with 60% of Harrow residents now having
received both doses of the vaccine. This is a great statistic and we
owe a huge thank you to everyone that has brought us to this level - 
all of our NHS staff at London Northwest Healthcare Trust, community
pharmacies, local volunteers at Byron Hall, Tithe Farm, Grims Dyke who
have been quietly supported by Metropolitan Police
Service officers, London Fire Brigade, the Armed Forces, Harrow
Council staff & numerous others. 

Hospitalisations and deaths attributed to the virus remain low, but we
are seeing hospitalisations rise on a national level. Local
authorities are continuing to monitor the spread of the new Delta +
variant. Two doses offers the best protection against the new variant
and so I continue to urge all eligible to book their vaccine here
[[link removed]]
– not only to keep yourselves safe but to reduce the spread, save
lives and reduce the pressure on our NHS. VACCINES ARE NOW BEING
OFFERED TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE 18 AND OLDER.

Please note that if you are waiting for your second dose you may be
contacted by the Local Authority for an earlier appointment. We have
previously seen successful vaccine walk-ins across the Borough and
North West London, and while there are none planned at present, this
can change if the vaccine supplies improves. I will continue to update
residents in the first instance via FACEBOOK.
[[link removed]]

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]
[[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.

🚧 CURRENT LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS: STEP 3 RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
🚧

[170521 Changes]

THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED THE THIRD STAGE OF THE UNLOCKING ROADMAP.
I understand that after 2 weeks, the government will review the data
to see if the risks have reduced. IT’S EXPECTED THAT ENGLAND WILL
MOVE TO STEP 4 ON 19 JULY 2021.

The third phase of the roadmap out of lockdown came into effect on
MONDAY 17TH MAY 2021 and will continue until at least the 19TH JULY.

RULES WHICH CONTINUE:

🏠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 

🛐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 

RULES WHICH CHANGED ON 21ST JUNE:

🔔Weddings and Civil partnerships may take place, with some
restrictions in place to maintain safety. The number of people who can
attend in a Covid secure venue is determined by venue accommodation,
with social distancing in place. In private homes up to 6 people or 2
households can attend. A Covid-19 risk assessment must be completed
for all events taking place in venues. A marquee or other structure in
a private garden of a private home must have at least 50% of its
walled area open at any time for it not to be classed as indoors.

❤️Commemorative events following death may take place, with some
restrictions in place to maintain safety. The number of people who can
attend is in most cases determined by how many people a venue can
safely accommodate, with social distancing measures in place. In
private homes up to 6 people or 2 households can attend. A Covid-19
risk assessment must be completed for all events taking place in
venues. A marquee or other structure in a private garden of a private
home must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it
not to be classed as indoors.

🏡Care home visits may continue. Residents can nominate five named
visitors, with two visitors being able to visit each day. Residents
can also nominate an essential care giver. Visitors are required to
show proof of a negative test result before visiting can take place. 

🚸Domestic residential visits for children, such as Brownies,
Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh can take place in consistent groups of 30 of
up to 30.

⚽A limited number of pilot events will be taking place for large
events. This will include some UEFA EURO 2020 matches, as well as some
other sports, arts and music performances. 

The full guidance is available here
[[link removed]]. Government
assistance specifically for businesses is available here.
[[link removed]]

I know some will be disappointed that the restrictions remain in
place, however I urge all to continue to I still urge all to follow
the rules and keep others safe as we see cases rise across the
country. 

 

GREEN, AMBER AND RED LISTS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD ✈️

 

Last month, 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.
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.

The Government state they will update and potentially amend the list
EVERY THREE WEEKS to avoid excess disruption.

You can sign up to an email alert to be notified when this list
changes here.
[[link removed]]

 

THE CURRENT GREEN LIST COUNTRIES:

> • Anguilla (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Antigua and Barbuda (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Australia
> 
> • Balearic Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Barbados (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Bermuda (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • British Antarctic Territory (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • British Indian Ocean Territory (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30
> June)
> 
> • The British Virgin Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Brunei
> 
> • Cayman Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Dominica (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Falkland Islands
> 
> • Faroe Islands
> 
> • Gibraltar
> 
> • Grenada (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Iceland
> 
> • Israel and Jerusalem
> 
> • Madeira (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Malta (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • Montserrat (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • New Zealand
> 
> • Pitcairn Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)
> 
> • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
> 
> • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
> 
> • Singapore
> 
> • Turks and Caicos Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

 

The most recent travel review was on the 3rd June. The next is
expected to be on or around the 24th June.

Full details on the lists and rules can be found here: 

[link removed]
[[link removed]]

 

CAMPAIGN SUMMER SCHOOL

[Campaign Summer School]

Applications are now open for my first ever Campaign Summer School for
students of Harrow West. This will take place over the last week of
July and aims to provide a full week of training for students, where
they will secure useful campaign skills, in order to help make an
impact on our community.

Every year, I have great demand for work experience in my office and
the pandemic has unfortunately placed that on hold. I am also aware
that young people have not been able to access as many opportunities
due to the virus. So, for one week, I want to offer up some first-hand
insight into the world of political campaigning – bringing in local
and national campaigners, and influential voices from Harrow to
Westminster.

The event will take place from the 25th-30th July and applications are
welcome from anyone aged between 16 and 24. Though priority will be
given to those who live or go to school in the constituency of Harrow
West.

I know from my own experience that whether you’re dealing with
environmental issues, health, or education, an effective campaign is
the key to influencing and challenging those in power. So, over the
course of 6 days, I want to help attendees design and be part of a
real campaign that will benefit our residents.

I plan for the school to go ahead in person but will continue to
monitor the easing of restrictions

To apply, all you need to do is COMPLETE THE SIGN-UP FORM HERE
[[link removed]] before midday
on Saturday 17th July.

JOIN MY CAMPAIGN: EXTEND PARKING RELIEF FOR NHS STAFF

[Extend Free Parking for NHS Staff]

The Government’s plan to scrap the free parking relief for our NHS
workers came into effect last week. ⬇️

✍️ PLEASE SIGN MY PETITION to extend parking relief for our NHS
staff and make sure we are heard by the Secretary of State for Health:

[link removed]
[[link removed]]

🏥 Thank you to all the workers that have been in touch so far. I
understand this is affecting many people across Harrow and we want to
share as many testimonials as we can, so please send us your comments,
if you’re willing to: Gareth.Thomas.mp@parliament.

🧑‍⚕️ As a result of the pandemic we are seeing burn-out and
real term salary cuts despite the tremendous efforts of our NHS over
the past 15 months 

🚘 We need a commitment that parking relief will be extended to
support staff to perform their everyday work, especially as we see
cases rising again

📈Waiting lists have reached 5 million. Our NHS will be working
tirelessly to address this backlog of care to our community

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE IN YOUR CIRCLES.

 

HARROW COUNCIL

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

[Harrow Council]

FEEL FINE? GET TESTED

Harrow Council is closing two of its test centres this week, Harrow
Arts Centre’s testing site closed on 24TH JUNE and St. Ann’s site
closes on JULY 2ND. THE TESTING CENTRE AT THE CIVIC CENTRE REMAINS
OPEN, and I understand there may be another opening in the town centre
soon. Residents can continue to test at home, as well as at 15
pharmacies across the Borough- [link removed]
[[link removed]]. It's important that we continue to
test after we have received both doses of the vaccine.

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

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:

• The vaccine is currently being given to:

• people aged 18 and over

• people who will turn 18 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

• Find out more about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine

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

HARROW LITTERPICKING HEROES - ARE YOU AN ACTIVE LITTER-PICKER, OR PART
OF A GROUP OF LITTER-PICKERS?

[Gareth and local litterpickers]

Litter-picking groups are popping up on roads and green spaces across
Harrow and this summer - I want to spotlight as many as I can. Please
get in touch with me and let me know if you are a regular litter
picker. I would love to highlight the work you do, help clean up our
community and hopefully encourage more people to join you. -
[email protected]

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.

MADE IN HARROW

[Made in Harrow]

Celebrate Harrow on the 25TH OF JULY - A day of celebration organised
by many of Harrow's wonderful voluntary and community groups and
businesses. There will be live music, food, arts and crafts, prize
draws and much more! More information about the event can be
found here.
[[link removed]]

 

Are you a local business? You can book your stall space NOW on the
website. madeinharrow.org [/madeinharrow.org]

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 thousands of
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

[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

[Facebook: [link removed]]
[[link removed]]
[Twitter: [link removed]]
[[link removed]]

If you'd rather not receive future emails from us, please click here
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[[link removed]].

Sent by email from the Labour Party, promoted by Keith Ferry on behalf
of Gareth Thomas, both at 132-134 Blenheim Road, Harrow, HA2 7AA
Website: www.labour.org.uk to join or renew call 0345 092 2299.

                                             
             

The Labour Party, 105 Victoria St Westminster, London, SW1E 6QT, United Kingdom
[link removed]