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 332 cases of coronavirus,
⬇️ down 250 cases from last week. Good to see the rate per 100,000
is now 154 in Harrow today; down ⬇️ from close to 1,000 just a
month ago. The need to stay vigilant, to wear a mask 😷, wash hands
🧼 & socially distance remains critical though, especially with the
emergence of Covid variants. The NHS continues to do surge testing in
postcode areas where cases of the South African and Bristol variants
have been detected.

📉 In the first week of February, 155 patients were admitted to
Northwick Park with #Covid. Encouragingly, this had dropped 35
patients from the last week of January. The numbers in HDU beds had
started to ease at the end of January with pressure on critical care
beds beginning to ease at the start of February.

🏥 Very urgent non-Covid operations eg for cancer patients are still
taking place but off site at the Royal Marsden, Clementine Churchill
or London Clinic, and ‘non-complex’ operations are still taking
place at Central Middlesex too (though clearly there’s a growing
backlog).

💉 Over 13 million people across the country have now received the
first dose of the vaccine with over 90% of the top four priorities
completed in Harrow, Priority Group 5 - 65+ has started this week,
with the expectation to jab all over 50s by May. Harrow has fared
exceptionally well in comparison to many boroughs across London and
the national vaccination programme, continues to provide some light at
the end of this long tunnel. Another huge thank you to the GPs,
doctors, nurses, administrators, many volunteers and everyone in
between helping to roll this out.

🚨 To ensure everyone has been offered the opportunity to have the
jab, people aged 70 & over who have not yet been vaccinated and who
would like to, are now able to contact the national booking service
directly to arrange an appointment. People can go online -
WWW.NHS.UK/COVID-VACCINATION [/www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination] or call
119.

👏 Our NHS staff at London North West University Healthcare NHS
Trust & across the borough continue to do a quite remarkable job for
us; quietly supported by Metropolitan Police Service officers, London
Fire Brigade, the Armed Forces, Harrow Council staff & numerous
others. A huge huge thank you to them all.

🧪 If you feel fine and are leaving the house on a regular basis –
be sure to get a free rapid test and help stop the asymptomatic
spread. 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. Book a free rapid test at the Beacon Centre, St
Ann’s Shopping Centre, Harrow Arts Centre, Harrow Civic Centre, or
Shree Swaminarayan Temple Stanmore, open 7 days a week.

Book a test: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

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, socially distance and regularly
check in on loved ones.  Again, 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. 

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.

VACCINATION STATS FOR PRIORITY GROUPS 💉

[JCVI priority groups]

STATS FROM OUR LOCAL NHS, ON THE PROGRESS BEING MADE TO VACCINATE THE
TOP 4 PRIORITY GROUPS IN HARROW AS OF LAST FRIDAY: 

🔴 PRIORITY 1 - Residents and staff in a care home for older adults
- 85% of patients in older peoples care homes have received first dose
vaccinations, with over 55% of staff having received doses too.

🔴 PRIORITY 2 - Frontline Health & social care workers and aged
80+. 85% of people or 7385 people aged 80 and over have had a first
dose, with 22.47% of people or 2602 people having received their 2nd
dose.

🔴 PRIORITY 3 - Aged 75-79. 90% or 6360 people aged 75-79 have
received the first dose vaccination in Harrow.

🔴 PRIORITY 4 - Aged 70-74 and Clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals – 88% or 8,254 people of those aged 70-74 have received
the first dose. The NHS has identified those who are clinically
extremely vulnerable and to date 68.7% of this group or 3557 people
have been vaccinated with the remainder being actively invited for an
appointment this week.

RED-LIST TRAVEL

Travel restrictions came into place this week, placing heavy penalties
on arrivals not abiding by Government regulations. Anyone entering
the UK must have a negative test taken before quarantining for 10 days
- then taking a test on day 2 and day 8 – as well as filling in a
passenger locator form. New measures also mean that those arriving
into the UK from a ‘red list’ country will have to stay at a
Managed Quarantine Facility upon arrival. Full details are available
on Gov.uk.
[[link removed]] Travel
bans are in place with the below “red list” of 33 countries mainly
made up of countries from South America and southern Africa. Labour
have been calling for comprehensive hotel quarantine on arrival but
nearly six days on from the arrival of the South African variant, the
action to secure borders is long overdue.

• Angola

• Argentina

• Bolivia

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Burundi

• Cape Verde

• Chile

• Colombia

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Ecuador

• Eswatini

• French Guiana

• Guyana

• Lesotho

• Malawi

• Mauritius

• Mozambique

• Namibia

• Panama

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores)

• Rwanda

• Seychelles

• South Africa

• Suriname

• Tanzania

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Uruguay

• Venezuela

• Zambia

• Zimbabwe

GRIMS DYKE VACCINATION CENTRE

[Grims Dyke Vaccination Centre]

It was my pleasure to visit GRIM'S DYKE VACCINATION CENTRE, Harrow’s
newest 💉 centre at Grim’s Dyke Golf Club. Anyone aged 70 and
over, or who are on the Shielded Patients List, are now able to use
the National Booking System to book an appointment without first
needing a letter, provided they are registered with a GP. This can be
arranged via WWW.NHS.UK/COVID-VACCINATION
[/www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination], where you can then choose a time slot
and location that suits you. Those not online can call 📞 119 to
book a slot, free-of-charge, between 7AM AND 11PM seven days a week.

The phone line can get very busy, so people may choose to ring later
in the day, when its less busy. British Sign Language, text relay and
interpreter services are available. Please share this information or
assist someone that might be unable to make a booking themselves.

If you live in the north of Harrow, definitely consider booking an
appointment at the Grims Dyke Golf Club ⛳ when you’re able to.

A MESSAGE FROM HEALTHWATCH HARROW:

We are getting in touch to let you know that Healthwatch Harrow have
just launched their latest resident survey.

The short survey is all about the impact of Covid-19 on Harrow
residents’ mental health and wellbeing. So if you live in Harrow and
would like to share your views (anonymously), please do complete the
survey on the link below:

[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.

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

Book a free rapid test at the BEACON CENTRE, ST ANN’S SHOPPING
CENTRE, HARROW ARTS CENTRE, HARROW CIVIC CENTRE, OR SHREE SWAMINARAYAN
TEMPLE STANMORE, 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. 

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. At the height of the pandemic, this operation has
served 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
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]