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 939 cases of coronavirus,
which is UP 94% FROM LAST WEEK, at the same time we have seen a 30%
RISE of patients admitted to hospitals in the past seven days, with
the 35 patients admitted. As Local authorities continue to monitor the
spread of the Delta and Beta variants, it is worth recognising that
two doses offes the best protection against either variant at this
time, and so I continue to  urge everyone that has not yet done so to
book their vaccine – 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.

Book your vaccine today
[[link removed]]

Harrow remains the best performing borough in London for vaccinations,
with  69% of Harrow residents having had at least one dose and
 OVER 50%  fully vaccinated. Again, we owe a huge thank you to
everyone that has brought us to this level and continue to make this
happen -   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.  

[Roadmap out of Lockdown]

As of yesterday, the Government has lifted most Coronavirus
restrictions. I will continue to wear a face covering on public
transport and in crowded indoor public spaces, and I encourage you to
do the same where you are able to. I know today brings excitement for
some, but it’s worth recognising there are many that will not feel
the same. Our clinically vulnerable friends and family and staff
across the country who are regularly exposed to the public have not
been listened to and for some of them, there are very significant
risks from rising levels of the virus. So go easy, stay safe and
please wear a face mask while supporting a Harrow business.

 

While I and well over half of Harrow have been fully vaccinated, we
still need people to get their doses when they are called. It remains
the best line of defence.

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.

✈️ GREEN, AMBER AND RED LISTS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD  ✈️

[Source: Dept for Transport]

In May, 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. Last Month, the Transport Secretary
announced a GREEN “WATCH LIST” to be updated every three weeks,
with countries on the list kept under review, responding “to
emerging evidence, with a particular focus on variants of concern”.

 

The Government state they will update and potentially amend the
list EVERY THREE WEEKS to avoid excess disruption, but a decision
can be made immediately, as seen with France over the weekend. IT IS
UNFORTUNATE THAT IMMEDIATE TRAVEL CHANGES (DUE TO FEARS OF A BETA
VARIANT SPREAD) ARE NOT MET WITH ALTERATIONS TO THE OVERALL NATIONAL
UNLOCKING.

 

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

 

THE CURRENT GREEN LIST COUNTRIES:

Arrivals from green list countries need to take a pre-departure test
as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two
of their arrival back into the UK.

However, they do not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive
a positive result) or take any additional tests.

The countries on the green list as of 4.00am on 19 July are:

* ANGUILLA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* ANTARCTICA/BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* AUSTRALIA
* BARBADOS (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* BERMUDA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* BRUNEI
* BULGARIA
* CAYMAN ISLANDS (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* CROATIA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* DOMINICA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* FALKLAND ISLANDS
* FAROE ISLANDS
* GIBRALTAR
* GRENADA (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* HONG KONG
* ICELAND
* ISRAEL AND JERUSALEM (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* MADEIRA (GREEN WATCHLIST) – MAINLAND PORTUGAL AND THE AZORES ARE
ON THE AMBER LIST.
* MALTA
* MONTSERRAT (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* NEW ZEALAND
* PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, DUCIE AND OENO ISLANDS (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* SINGAPORE
* SOUTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
* ST HELENA, ASCENSION AND TRISTAN DA CUNHA
* TAIWAN (GREEN WATCHLIST)
* TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (GREEN WATCHLIST)
 

 

The most recent travel review was on the 14TH JULY and another will
be expected later this month.

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

 

[link removed]
[[link removed]]


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 month and, since then, hundreds of
workers and local residents have signed my petition   ⬇️

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

[Picture of litter-pickers on Church Fields]

Litter-picking groups are popping up on roads and green spaces across
Harrow and through out 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.

E-MAIL: [email protected]

MADE IN HARROW

[Made in Harrow]

Celebrate Harrow this SUNDAY, 25TH OF JULY with me and many of
Harrow’s excellent local businesses and charities. 'Made in Harrow'
is expected to be 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]]

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

A reminder to get a regular test in a rapid test centre - about 1 in 3
people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect
others. The NHS advice is to do a rapid test twice a week (every 3
to 4 days) to check if you have the virus. If people test positive and
self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. Even if you’re
vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can pass COVID-19 on, so you
should keep getting tested regularly.  [🦠] 

You can test at sites across Harrow, including at many pharmacies
[[link removed]], 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

BYRON HALL MASS VACCINATION CENTRE

[Vaccinations]

Byron Hall mass vaccination centre is open. All those aged 18 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]]

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 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

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

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[link removed]