Community comes together to fight coronavirus

Community comes together to fight coronavirus

Since the last edition of the Borough News, the world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. For many this has been a very dark, challenging and worrying time. But in the face of this unprecedented situation, residents, businesses, volunteers and Council staff have stepped up to support and protect one another. Now, as lockdown measures are easing, while remaining alert to the dangers of a second wave, we can reflect on how our Borough came together to tackle COVID-19.

More than 1,200 people joined local volunteer groups around the Borough to work with the Council, One Community and Hampshire County Council, forming a Local Response Centre (read more on page 3).

1. Residents showed their appreciation to Council workers, especially our waste teams. One kind resident even crocheted them a new team member!

2. Council officers helped to keep the Borough’s foodbanks well stocked in what has been a tough time for many families.

3. Volunteers and Council staff delivered food and other essential supplies to over 1,300 vulnerable

people who were self-isolating and made phone calls to support people’s mental health.

4. Matt, Local Response Officer, is one of many members of Council staff who was redeployed to support front line roles.

5. Volunteers and Council staff helped residents across 45 care homes celebrate VE day by providing party food and drink.

6. Over 30,000 calls have been taken by Customer Service staff like Joanna working in their kitchens, living rooms and home offices.

The Council has helped Eastleigh’s businesses to reopen safely. More than 1,500 businesses have been supported through business grants and top up funds, and over £17.5 million has been paid out in emergency business support (read more on page 13).

The pandemic is far from over and there is still the potential for a second wave as winter approaches. Please do all you can to limit the spread of the virus, by wearing facemasks, washing hands and social distancing. Let’s be proud of how we’ve responded as a community and carry on supporting and protecting one another.