Coronavirus: Weekly update From Camden Council To keep you up to date with changes to council services and support available through the Council and its partners, you’ll find weekly updates here in the Camden New Journal. Visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest on all council services and information on essential support, including how to access emergency food and financial support. The webpage contains information in different languages and formats, including British Sign Language. You can also check the rolling news feed at camden.gov.uk/coronavirusnews, Twitter @CamdenCouncil or speak to someone at the Council directly on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus e-newsletter for regular service updates, news and support, at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates
As we look ahead to the bank holiday weekend, and to September as more children return to school, it’s vital that we not only remember to follow basic heath advice – but also why it’s so important to do so. Camden’s strength is in its communities, and the way everyone has come together during this crisis really exemplifies this. By looking out for other people, you also keep yourself and your family safe.
If you develop symptoms, it’s really important that you self-isolate to prevent yourself from passing the virus on to someone else, and get tested via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If you or anyone you know is worried about being able to self-isolate, Camden Council is here to help – call 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
The libraries will open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 3.30pm. For more information on the services available at Camden libraries, visit camden.gov.uk/libraries
Show your support to Camden’s communities
Wearing a face covering is another simple step we must all take to help protect others across Camden, London and beyond. Remember that even if you don’t currently have symptoms, it’s possible you may pass the virus on to others. That’s why it’s especially important to wear your face covering properly, over both your nose and your mouth. You should also pay attention to signs when entering buildings, including businesses, as advice may vary according to the size of the establishment and the service they offer. And if you do have symptoms, stay at home and get a test – this is the best way you can help control the virus and keep Camden safe.
Camden Council would like to say a big thank you to the over 3,000 volunteers who have helped to support the borough’s communities so far during the pandemic, through formal volunteering routes and mutual aid groups. Many thanks also to the hundreds of voluntary and community organisations who have contributed their time and resources.
Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
You can still help:
Camden Council knows that residents value being able to ask people in their local community for information or support on a range of issues, including coronavirus. That’s why free training is being offered to residents to become COVID-19 Health Champions, to help protect the community. To find out about the role and sign up to become a COVID-19 Health Champion, email CHC@islington.gov.uk or call 0207 527 3455. As part of the role, free training is provided – called ‘Good Conversations in Challenging Times’ – which will give you the latest advice on coronavirus, including NHS Test and Trace, and teach you how to share information with others in your community. The first sessions will be held on 1 and 2 September and can be booked directly by visiting camdenmecc.org.uk
Wear your face covering correctly To help keep yourself and other people safe: • Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser before putting on and removing your face covering • Make sure it covers your nose and mouth, and fits snugly against the sides of your face (do not wear on your neck or forehead) • Avoid touching the part that is in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could be contaminated with the virus. Only handle the straps, ties or clips • Avoid taking off and putting back on a lot in quick succession (for example, when leaving and entering shops on a high street)
For more information, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
YOURSELF & OTHERS
However, many parents may have questions or want to find out more information ahead of the new school term. Camden’s Public Health team has organised a parents’ question time event, taking place online via Zoom, with a variety of experts to respond to your questions.
Financial advice and support is still available
• Find out more ways to get involved at camden.gov.uk/volunteeringcovid19
If you are struggling with your finances as a result of coronavirus, or you know someone who is, Camden Council may be able to offer support. Visit camden.gov.uk/ coronavirus or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9) to find out more.
If you’re interested in becoming part of Camden’s community response, why not sign up to become a COVID-19 Health Champion. See opposite page for details.
Making travel safer in Camden
1 6 locations with
2 10 residential roads
Rent support for Council tenants
3 5 new Streateries
It’s an expensive time of year with children going back to school and the coronavirus
widened pavements made quieter with bollards
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1
4 8 new cycle storage
facilities
6
5
2
5 4 new pop up cycle
lanes
6 70 dockless bike
hire bays coming soon
PROTECT
Camden Council and Camden Learning are working with Public Health and trade unions to support schools and nurseries prepare to safely welcome back all children next week.
Find out more and book your free place at camden.gov.uk/ schools-children-and-families or find the event on the Council’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LBCamden
• Donate to the Camden Giving COVID-19 Charity Fund at camdengiving.org.uk
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CORONAVIRUS
Back to school – parents’ question time event
The event is on 3 September, from 12 noon to 1.30pm and is open to parents whose children are going back to schools or nurseries in Camden.
• Sign up to volunteer at help.timetospare.com/camden or email camdenvolunteers@timetospare. com
• If single-use, dispose of carefully. If reusable, wash at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric.
KEEP LONDON SAFE
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
On Monday 7 September, Kilburn, Kentish Town and Camden Town libraries will reopen to give customers limited computer access, as well as the opportunity to browse and borrow books. To keep customers safe, libraries will be kept to limited numbers and browsing time will be a maximum of 20 minutes. The libraries will have a one-way system in place along with sanitisation stations and regular cleaning.
To prevent the further spread of the virus, it’s essential to take basic precautions, like washing your hands frequently and keeping a safe distance from those outside your household, to minimise the risk of coming into contact with or passing on the virus.
Help keep coronavirus Register for free cases low in Camden COVID-19 Health Champion training While rates of coronavirus remain low across Camden, there has been a small increase in cases over the past few weeks. Help prevent the spread of the virus by following public health advice: washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, wearing a face covering and staying a safe distance from other people.
Camden libraries update
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Rent Support
CORONAVIRUS
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS
pandemic affecting many people’s incomes. If you are a Camden Council tenant and are struggling to pay your rent, speak to your neighbourhood housing officer as soon as possible – the Council wants to do all it can to help residents avoid building up debt which is difficult to repay. For more information, call 020 7974 4444 or visit camden. gov.uk/your-neighbourhoodhousing-officer