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Dear John,
This is an update following last week’s news that at least two cases of the South African variant had been found in Harrow. I understand over 3700 tests 🧪 have now taken place in parts of North Harrow, Hatch End, Marlborough, Wealdstone, Harrow Weald and
Belmont with 15 positive tests found so far. The council are waiting on the genomic sequencing results to determine if there are further cases of the South African variant (or any other variant of concern).
With door to door knocking and leafleting complete, testing has moved to local businesses and five schools within the surge tested areas: Pinner Park Primary, Belmont Primary, Hatch End High, Shaftesbury High and St Teresa's Catholic Secondary. In
the event that more variants of concern emerge in Harrow, I will be sure to update you on the response locally, including any expansion in surge testing.
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🦠 Over the past week, Harrow has seen 129 cases of coronavirus, which is a drop in 4 cases from last week. The rate per 100,000 is down to 48 in Harrow today;
down from 66 just a month ago. Admission rates to Northwick Park hospital over the past seven days is down to 12, from 19 last week. Whilst the level of
Covid-19 circulating in the community remains lower than a few weeks ago, the fall in cases is slowing down. We continue to monitor the impact of children and young people going back to school, but we are seeing a small
increase in the number of young people testing positive. The need to stay vigilant, to wear a mask, wash hands & socially distance remains critical, especially with the emergence of variants of concern in Harrow.
🧪 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: https://www.harrow.gov.uk/test
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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. Government assistance specifically for businesses
is available here.
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.
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The second phase of the first step in the roadmap out of lockdown comes into effect tomorrow. These changes include:
🌳 Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed.
🥅 Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
🏘️ The ‘stay at home’ rule will end but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the
busiest times and routes
In just two weeks’ time, or no earlier than April 12th, we will see the restrictions ease for non-essential retail and some hospitality.🛍️
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This week I have been contacted by many constituents that are concerned about any potential delays to their second vaccination dosage. I understand issues with the vaccine supply chain are having an impact on supplies locally
but I am assured by GPs that the system is adapting to ensure everyone will receive their second doses. Below are a few common questions and answers on the rollout.
When will I have my second vaccine booked?
If your GP booked you in for your first vaccine they will contact you and book you for your second vaccine 11-12 weeks later. GPs are adapting to changes in the supply chain but insist they will be contacting residents.
Don’t be alarmed, you are still a priority.
If first vaccinations were booked through one of the online booking systems, then second vaccinations can be booked for 11-12 weeks later through the national booking system.
What happens if more than 12 weeks passes before I have my second vaccine?
If for any reason someone misses having their second vaccine 12 weeks later, please contact your GP or book in through the national booking system and have it as soon as possible.
Where will I go for my second vaccine?
People will need to return to the same venue that they had their first vaccine for their second one but we are awaiting further clarity on vaccination centres earmarked for closure.
If you have any further questions/queries
I appreciate that there are many questions people might have on the issue of vaccines, so feel free to send me an e-mail on [email protected] and I aim
to secure a quick response from the NHS locally.
A reminder that unpaid carers are in priority group 6 for Covid-19 vaccinations. This means those in Harrow who are the primary carer of someone who is clinically vulnerable are now able to register for a vaccine appointment
using the National Booking Service, or by calling 119.
To ensure everyone has been offered the opportunity to have the jab, people aged 50 & 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 or ☎️ call 119. Visit the nhs.uk website for more info
and guidance on how to book: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
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From 1 April, if you have been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable you will no longer be advised to shield. However, you should continue to take extra precautions to protect yourself. It is important that you
continue to keep the number of social interactions that you have low and try to limit the amount of time you spend in settings where you are unable to maintain social distancing.
If you are in this group, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. Contact your local authority or speak to your GP if you have any concerns.
A number of constituents have raised some concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccination following reports about blood clots. Harrow Council’s Public Health Director, Carole Furlong issued the below statement to provide reassurance
Dear Community Leaders,
We’ve all been hearing a lot in the news about the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots.
A small number of countries temporarily stopped using it due to concerns about people developing blood clots after having the vaccine. This was a precautionary measure until the evidence could be reviewed.
The UK regulator (the MHRA), the European regulator (EMA), and the World Health Organisation all concluded that there is no increased risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine.
In more than 17 million doses given, just 35 people developed blood clots, which is two cases of clots per million people vaccinated. The general population gets blood clots at a rate of 1 in every thousand people: that’s 500 times higher than the rate seen in those who were vaccinated.
For women taking the oral contraceptive pill, the risk is six cases in every thousand people taking the pill – that is six times higher than the general population risk and 30,000 times higher than that seen in the AstraZeneca vaccinated group.
If you catch Covid-19, your risk of having a blood clot increases and, for people in intensive care with the virus, the figure is one in five.
With fluctuating vaccine supplies, the focus remains on getting the most vulnerable groups vaccinated first, which is why NHS England has opened up the national booking service to everyone aged 50 or over. People due a second dose of their vaccine in April will also receive it then.
I recently received the AstraZeneca vaccine. I experienced some minor side effects for a day or so, but this would not deter me from having it again or recommending that you have it. You are far more likely to become infected with Covid-19 than you are to get a blood clot from having the vaccine. My advice is to take the vaccine.
Best wishes,
Carole Furlong
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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: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/harrow
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
https://www.riftrefunds.co.uk/tax-refunds/uk-tax-refund-advice/tax-debt-and-mental-health/
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]
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Support for children and young people
Harrow Council, Harrow CCG, and Young Harrow Foundation have put together a joint document 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 – 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
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
- 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
- a service fully geared up to supporting families through the crisis. Tel: 0300 0032324 or email i[email protected].
· DAWN
- 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
- 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
- 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].
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Every Mind Matters - Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
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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.
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• 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
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London's Community Kitchen
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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 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:
https://www.londonscommunitykitchen.com/home-1
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!
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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 for
more.
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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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