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Coronavirus

A page with information and links about Coronavirus

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3/2/21 - Covid Vaccination available for limited period for priority groups at three hospital sites

 

See press release

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20/11/20 - Temporary Covid-19 test centre opens

A temporary Covid-19 walk-through test centre has opened in Market Harborough at the Harborough Leisure Centre car park off Northampton Road. The walk-through test centre (not drive-through) will operate from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, and offer vital testing capacity in the district. As tests are offered by appointment only, the number of people on the site at any one time is limited. Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus – including high temperature, cough, loss or change in normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) – should visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.

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Coronavirus Information Campaign

 

A new public information campaign has been launched by the Government to highlight how letting fresh air into indoor spaces can reduce the risk of infection from coronavirus by over 70%.

 

The campaign, which forms part of wider ‘Hands. Face. Space’ guidance, sees the release of a new short film created with scientists and an engineer at the University of Leeds.

 

The film illustrates how coronavirus lingers in the air in spaces with no fresh air, increasing the risk of people breathing in infected particles, and how the risk can be reduced significantly by regularly ventilating enclosed areas.

 

View the video here

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20/11/20 - Grants for local businesses affected by lockdown

Local businesses which pay business rates (non-domestic rates) or claim business rates relief will be eligible for grants worth up to £3,000 per month while they are forced to remain closed as part of national restrictions brought in on 5 November to limit the spread of coronavirus. Those premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £1,334, premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £2,000 and premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £3,000.

Find out more here.

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20/11/20 - Key figures unite to call for big effort to beat virus

Senior council, health and police figures across the city and county have today (Friday, 20th November) made an unprecedented commitment to work together to drive down infection rates in the final days of the second coronavirus lockdown.

At a briefing this morning, they all expressed deep concern about a worrying surge in Covid-19 cases – with the days now being counted down to the end of the national lockdown.

The prominent figures included the county council leader, Leicester's City Mayor, Leicestershire’s chief constable as well as the chief executive of all three NHS clinical commissioning groups.

Cases in Leicestershire alone have quadrupled since early October – and they are above the national average.

With rates currently standing at around 500 per 100,000 of the population in Leicester, and very close to 400 per 100,000 of the Leicestershire population, public health chiefs fear this could leave both the city and the county facing further restrictive measures at the end of the lockdown on 2nd December.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “I can’t emphasis enough how serious the situation is, so I’m calling on everyone to do their bit to save lives. Get a test if you have symptoms and stick to the guidance to defeat this pandemic.”

His concerns have been echoed by  City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, who has issued a similar rallying cry for people to unite and beat the virus.

Sir Peter said: “These are difficult times for people who have already lived under restrictions for a long time, and for all of those families who have sadly lost loved ones, they are unbelievably tough.

“Despite the hard work of many, cases of coronavirus continue to rise across the city and county. 

“We are therefore once again asking everyone to pull together to drive the virus down, to save lives and to prevent us from remaining under restrictions when the national lockdown ends.”

Another concerning factor is the rise in hospital admissions, which are now at higher levels than during the first wave of the pandemic which has, so far, claimed more than 50,000 deaths throughout the UK.

Andy Williams, CEO for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland CCGs, said: “We are now seeing the rise in coronavirus alongside annual winter pressures having a significant impact on health services.

“The number of people needing hospital treatment is higher than the peak in the first wave and hospital services are under extreme pressure. 

“We have taken the difficult decision to stop some non-urgent operations to look after those with the most serious conditions, including emergencies and those needing treatment for cancer. 

“The Emergency Department (Ed) at the Leicester Royal Infirmary is very busy. If your health condition isn’t serious, please contact NHS 111 first who can advise on the best way to treat you, and if necessary, make sure you go to the best place for your treatment. 

“Please also remember that GP practices are open.  They are busy but will provide an appointment if necessary.  Help us to help you by keeping safe and following the guidance to control the spread of Covid-19.”

Over the next few days, councils, the police and partners in health will be further driving home the message with hard-hitting stories featuring the NHS and community leaders, supported by video clips of local leaders and key staff across social media channels with one clear message to residents – do your bit to help fight the virus.

People with symptoms are being urged to get a test. They must book an appointment by calling 119 or at  http://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

Under the lockdown restrictions, people are being told to stay at home – apart from attending school, college, university, work or to go food shopping.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential retail across the county also close, but takeaways and click-and-collect shopping remain open.  

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NHS

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NHS Coronavirus Information

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Local Deliveries

 

Langton Greenhouse

Veg Boxes, Garden Centre Deliveries and Take Take Away Service

 

Government Information

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Government Statistics

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NHS Test and Trace Reports

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Leicestershire County Council

 

Harborough District Council

 

Harborough District Council Coronavirus information webpage

This web page has the following sub-pages:

• information on health
• information for businesses
• information about council services
• community hub – information for residents
• community hub – information on voluntary and community sector

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Harborough District Council launches support for vulnerable residents

Residents in Harborough District can now refer themselves, a family member that requires help or someone in the community who needs help during the Coronavirus crisis to the council's Community Hub

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People who are vulnerable and do not have a local support network can contact Harborough District Council if they:

  • need supplies of food and essentials

  • are feeling lonely or would like a friendly phone call or text message

  • would like to connect with a local community group

  • need transport to medical appointments

  • would like advice about staying active and exercising

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Support will be delivered directly by Harborough District Council or voluntary and community partners. The Community Hub will prioritise those people who are most vulnerable and in urgent need of help and support: people who are over the age of 70; people with underlying health conditions; and families who are struggling to cope.

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Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: "The district council has been working tirelessly with voluntary and community groups over the last couple weeks to look at how we can best support the most vulnerable residents in the district at this difficult time. We are now ready to launch this service and I ask anyone who feels that they are vulnerable, and doesn't have anyone else to turn to for help, to contact the Community Hub."

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To refer yourself or someone you are concerned about please visit: www.harborough.gov.uk/hd-community-hub

If you cannot use the online forms please email: communityhub@harborough.gov.uk or call 01858 821 232 9am-5pm

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HDC Community Hub Letter

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New options to pay Council Tax over 12 months

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In light of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on residents, residents in the Harborough district who pay their Council Tax by 10 monthly instalments can now choose to pay over 12 months in the financial year to spread the cost.

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Residents should email: counciltax@harborough.gov.uk if they would like to take this option – stating 10 monthly instalments (followed by the council tax reference number) as the subject of the email.

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If residents pay by 12 monthly instalments or 10 monthly instalments they also have the option of rescheduling their instalments to run from June to March – essentially providing a Council Tax break for April and May. Residents should email counciltax@harborough.gov.uk if they would like to use this option-stating REPROFILE (followed by the council tax reference number) as the subject of the email.

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Working age Council Tax payers who receive Council Tax support, due to low incomes, will soon be entitled to a reduction in their Council Tax via the Hardship Fund. This will be processed automatically. Residents can sign up to e-billing at  www.harborough.gov.uk/paperfree to receive their amended Council Tax demand notice.

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We collect Council Tax on behalf of Leicestershire County Council, Fire, Police and Parishes. It is vitally important that Council tax payers continue to pay in accordance with the instalments shown on their bills, where possible, so that local services can continue to be provided and vulnerable people in our community can be supported, especially during the current pandemic.

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We will not take any recovery or enforcement action until the end of May. We will review this situation and update the website accordingly.

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More information is available at www.harborough.gov.uk/counciltax If you have any questions please email hdc.council.tax@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

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Health and Safety Executive

Coronavirus - a joint statement between HSE, the TUC and the CBI

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Beware Scammers & Fraudsters

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See the following websites for information about Coronavirus fraud:

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Countryside Alliance

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Countryside Alliance Covid-19 Hub

A hub to support those within rural communities by providing information they need

 

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Neighbourhood Watch Encourages Protecting the Isolated and Vulnerable During the Covid 19 Outbreak

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Neighbourhood Watch Encourages Protecting the Isolated and Vulnerable During the Covid 19 Outbreak

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You will all be aware of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Neighbourhood Watch exists to look out for communities across England and Wales and at a time like this we encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. We are following the advice from the government and encourage you to do the same: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

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10 ways you, as a Neighbourhood Watch supporter, can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:

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  1. Meet with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbours to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.

  2. If your neighbourhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbours, information, and resources. Alternatively, share phone numbers and email addresses particularly with those who are isolated or vulnerable.

  3. Consider establishing a 'buddy' system within your community to ensure everyone stays connected to COVID-19 related news, services and can receive support safely, such as essentials deliveries.

  4. Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.

  5. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.

  6. Learn how to self-isolate. Guidance can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

  7. Create a list of local organisations that you and your neighbours can contact in the event that one of you need access to information, healthcare services, support, or resources. Consider including organisations that provide mental health or counselling services, food, and other supplies.

  8. Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbours, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

  9. Learn about the emergency operations plan at your child's school or childcare facility, and your employer's emergency operations plan.

  10. Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing.

    1. The NHS provides guidance on how to wash hands: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/.

    2. The World Health Organisation provides guidance on basic protective measures: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

    3. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on handwashing for families https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html

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Please note: whilst we encourage you to follow advice from UK Government we are also sharing links to organisations such as the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention an agency which works 24/7 to protect the safety, health, and security of America from threats here and around the world. Some of our key points above have been sourced from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html.

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The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also published (14th February 2020) Interim Guidance for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Homes and Residential Communities which you may find useful: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html.


Central Support Team at Neighbourhood Watch

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK | Building Safer and Stronger Communities
Email: enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk

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