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 323 cases of coronavirus,
which is UP 27 CASES FROM LAST WEEK. As Local authorities continue to
monitor the spread of the Omicron variant, it is worth recognising
that three vaccination doses offer the best protection against
coronavirus at this time.  As Dr Lloyd of the Ridgeway Surgery shared
with me last week [[link removed]], as the protective
effect of the first two doses are beginning to wear off, he implores
everyone to get a booster job. Dr Lloyd also informs me Intensive Care
Units, like ours in Northwick Park, are currently full of unvaccinated
patients, including many who are diabetic, obese, or pregnant. So I
continue to  urge everyone that has not yet done so 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 as it deals with a winter
crisis that has started early this year. Vaccines are now being
offered to all those who are 12 and older. While I and well over half
of Harrow have now been fully vaccinated, we still need people to get
their doses when they are called.

Book your vaccine today
[[link removed]]

Harrow remains the best performing borough in NW London for booster
vaccinations and we are currently considered a leader nationally –
please make a plan to get your booster when you are called. 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, and local volunteers
who have been quietly supported by Harrow Council staff and numerous
others. 

THE EMERGENCE OF THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT NEW
MEASURES THIS WEEK – WHAT ARE THE NEW MEASURES?

·        Face coverings are once again COMPULSORY IN PLACES
LIKE SHOPS AND ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
[[link removed]]  in England

·        Pupils at secondary schools in England are being
"strongly advised" to wear face coverings in communal areas. The
guidance also applies to staff and visitors at all schools and
childcare settings

·        All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be
contacted by NHS test and trace and required to SELF-ISOLATE FOR 10
DAYS, REGARDLESS OF YOUR VACCINATION STATUS
[[link removed]]

·        Anyone entering the UK now requires a PCR TEST
WITHIN 48 HOURS OF ARRIVAL
[[link removed]]  and must
self-isolate until they have a negative result

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.

✈️ NEW COVID RULES FOR TRAVEL  ✈️

In May, the Government announced lists for travelling abroad. Red list
countries are not permitted for travel for the purpose of leisure and
the only people allowed to enter the UK from these countries are UK or
Irish nations, or UK residents but they will have to pay for and
self-isolate in a pre-booked government-approved hotel for 10 days.

 

 

THE CURRENT RED LIST COUNTRIES ARE:

*          South Africa,
*         Namibia, 
*         Zimbabwe, 
*         Botswana, 
*         Lesotho, 
*         Eswatini 
*         Angola, 
*         Namibia, 
*        Mozambique and 
*        Zambia.

 

NEW RULE FOR PCR TESTS?

 

If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from
Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test - a lateral flow test
will no longer be accepted. The PCR test must be booked before you
travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of
providers.

 

While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate - whether or
not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test
is negative.

NORTHWICK PARK VISIT AND HEALTH AND CARE BILL

[Gareth at Northwick Park]

Last week, I paid a visit to the busiest A&E in London, at our
hospital, Northwick Park. The excellent teams there have been working
incredibly hard, dealing with the levels of pressure that would
usually be expected in winter.

At the same time, the team have to prepare for even greater pressures
for the winter ahead. Covid exposed the need for critical care beds
nationally and this visit has shown me that Northwick Park is in need
of 50% increase in the number of critical care beds. 

 

Last week in Parliament, I voted against the Government’s Health and
Care Bill, which is the wrong Bill at the wrong time and will cause
unnecessary distraction that won’t fix the crisis in the NHS.

 

Patients and their families will expect ministers to explain how a
structural reorganisation in the middle of the biggest crisis the NHS
has faced will bring waiting lists down, radically improve cancer
survival rates and deliver the quality mental health care many people
desperately need. 

 

Every day that NHS staff are forced to spend on this top-down
reorganisation is a day less spent by the NHS on tackling waiting
lists, working with local government to fix social care, fighting
Covid and preparing for one of the most challenging winters in living
memory.

 

Indeed, we need a proper solution for rescue and reform that brings
waiting times down, including a credible, long-term strategy for NHS
staff recruitment and retention. This must come alongside a long-term
plan for the care workforce as part of wider reforms to fix social
care.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

[Small Business Saturday]

With Small Business Saturday this weekend and Christmas fast
approaching, I’m showcasing many of Harrow’s excellent small
businesses all week across my social media. Last year, we were able to
spotlight over thirty excellent local businesses and I want to
spotlight as many small businesses as I can once again.

 

So, if you are a small business owner in Harrow or a big supporter of
one, and you would like me to promote your business in the run up to
Small Business Saturday, please send me a quick note with 👇

 

🔵 A picture that you’re happy for me to use to promote your
business

 

🔵 The business name and a sentence on what your customers like
about you

 

🔵 Where people can find you online and/or in person, your opening
hours and any social media pages

 

Our small businesses have had to navigate through the unprecedented
challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. Let’s give our small
businesses the support and appreciation that they deserve.  👏

LIVERPOOL VICTORIA =

_In my role as the Chair of the Mutuals APPG, I have been working with
colleagues across the Parliament to scrutinise and dissect the
proposed demutualisation and sale of Liverpool Victoria (LV=) to
controversial private equity firm Bain Capital. _
_http://tracking.labour.email/tracking/click?d=tUjTZckGTgQ2Pmnhhdn6hWDvWKAGtq1U-EATA6mRgGNubt-NwwYj46pbCQhc7rjQNxkcotACz3KwpvgSUpbm4IgReoGTr1W6WQ6o3xmiB3HHgLqFsxvexBDCiI9wv9nAGDZgDnHuzoQ5jcX8TkOxkmEy-RwTO3JEBe_Mh35HPD2U_j3HuLgUMBY6PxWTVwfDxVoVcuNBI_aNbCwmfZa6QRI1
[[link removed]]

 

_In April, following an inquiry which heard evidence from key players
including the those from the LV board, who are pushing the
demutualisation and sale, the All-Party Parliamentary Group published
a highly critical report into the rationale, process, and motivations
of this contentious proposed deal._

_The demutualisation and sale of this a 178-year-old company which was
first set up to help the poorest avoid a pauper’s funeral, has
rightly garnered considerable media attention._

 

_The Chairman and Board of LV have gone as far as using the courts to
change LV’s own constitution to force through the sale and only last
week the Chairman of LV, Alan Cook appeared again in from of the APPG.
An appearance which Mr Cook admitted that he and the Chief Executive,
Mark Hartigan, will stay on the board, following the sale, earning
very large sums of money._

 

_I have also, through my role as Chair of the Mutuals APPG, sought,
and will continue to seek, answers from the Financial Conduct
Authority who, disappointingly, as regulators have met with the Board
of LV and its representatives more than 60 times and not once with the
consumer owners of Liverpool Victoria._

_I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TO DRAW ATTENTION THIS DODGY DEAL WHICH I
BELIEVE WILL REDUCE CHOICE AND COMPETITION IN THE INSURANCE MARKET,
DISENFRANCHISE THE CONSUMER OWNERS OF LV AND WILL ONLY BENEFIT THE LV
BOSSES WHO PLAN TO LINE THEIR OWN POCKETS FROM THE DEAL._

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

I am delighted to share that the indefatigable group of South Harrow
Litter Pickers received a Harrow Heroes Group Award. Over the past
month, South Harrow Litter Pickers collected 272 bags of litter,
accruing 188 volunteer hours and reported 82 flytips. This is an
incredible contribution and is making a huge difference in South
Harrow. 

 

A litter pickers group has recently been set up for North Harrow and
across Harrow, dedicated litter picking groups are being set up for
roads and local areas. Comprised of friends, neighbours, parkgoers and
more, these groups really care about our community and really want to
Keep Harrow Clean. If you are a frequent litter-picker, please get in
touch. I would love to highlight the work you do, to help clean up our
community and hopefully encourage more people to join you. 

 

There is a Facebook Group that Harrow litter-pickers can join
here: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

[Picture of litter-pickers on Church Fields]

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

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]

CAN YOU PROVIDE SUPPORT?

LONDON'S COMMUNITY KITCHEN

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
mainly by phone or email rather than in person. I am slowly returning
to in-person appointments but I will continue to primarily hold
surgery appointments by telephone and Zoom video conferencing. 

 

Please be assured we continue to offer a full service of advice and
support to members of the public who need it. As always, my office can
be contacted on [email protected] or by telephone
on 0207 219 4243 (Monday-Friday). 

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
to manage your communication preferences
[[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]