Cold Higham Parish Council

CORONAVIRUS

For latest Government advice about Covid-19 see

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

This page is devoted to parish support for Coronavirus.

Updates will appear with the latest at the top.

For Local Support from a Volunteer in Cold Higham Parish call 01327 830521 or email cvhelpchpc@gmail.com

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Update 29 Jan 21

Some Notes from NCC on Current Situation

Headlines

• The numbers are falling gradually but Corby & Northampton are two areas of concern still
• The number of positive tests is falling as is the number of cases.
• Household mixing despite the lockdown is a primary means of virus spreading
• Lockdown means isolation, the message is not getting through
• Car sharing is the other main cause of the virus spreading
• There are 2 test sites for asymptomatic cases are operating in Corby & Northampton
• Test results for normal testing are being delivered within 48 hours
• There has been a slight reduction of hospital beds occupied by Covid 19 patients
• Car homes are also still of concern
• Younger age group are a challenge in spreading the virus – they are mobile certainly with respect to working

Vaccination

• Over 80,000 vaccinations have been administered to tiers 1-4
• A major vaccination centre is now open on Moulton Park in Northampton
• Most of the over 80's have been given at least first dose
• We have started the over 70's cohort
• Letters are being sent out inviting all over 70's to register for appt via 119 or online
• The Moulton centre is open 4 days for >70's and 3 days for Health Workers
• Vaccination is dependent on supply of vaccine of course
• Mid Feb is still expected to be met for tiers 1-4

The Virus

• The new strain (Kent variant) is 70% more virulent in terms of spread
• The new Brazilian version is the biggest worry currently as it is not known if the current vaccine is effective against it
• Because of this the very strict travel ban between us and Brazil is in place

Communications

• Comms is about virulence of the new strain
• Every touch could leave a trace is current message

Update 3 Dec 20

We are now in Tier 2 of Covid 19 restrictions.

This link gives details of Tier 2 restrictions.

Update 7 Nov 20

Towcester Community Larder is now back up up and running every Thursday afternoon, distributing FREE weekly food and produce boxes to people adversely affected by the current Covid-19 lockdown.If you are struggling to get enough food please get in touch to apply. Eligibility includes people who are self-isolating or shielding, those on a reduced or low-income, and people unable to get to the shops due to ill health or disability.The food is donated by supermarkets and producers and would otherwise go to landfill. The scheme is supported by charities FareShare, SNVB, Grand Union and also by Northampton ACRE, working closely with the Community Fridge, Cooking Good and Foodbank.

Update 30 Sep 20

A handy poster to help differentiate between Covid, flu and colds.

Update 5 Sep 20

A Message From Towcester Foodbank

If individuals or families are struggling to find money for food please don't forget Towcester Foodbank. We operate a voucher system in exchange for which our guests will be given bags of food, dependent on the number in their household, intended to provide a nutritious diet for three days, as well as toiletries and loo roll.

We are open for people to collect their food bags from the St John Ambulance building in Islington Road, Towcester (NN12 6AU) on a Tuesday 12-2pm and Friday 10.30-12.30. If people do not have a voucher you can contact SNC Money Advice (01327 322275) or turn up to one of our sessions and we can issue one ourselves. If you are already registered with us as a voucher holder and need reminding of our system, or wish to become a voucher holder please contact Christine; vouchers@towcester.foodbank.org.uk

Our food is free at the point of need, for as long as it is needed.

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Update 21 Aug 20

Message from South Northants Council

Northampton borough has seen a marked increase of Covid-19 cases and from today will be added to the government's watch list as "an area of intervention". Analysis shows that this spike is heavily influenced by a workplace outbreak at the Greencore food processing factory where 287 workers have tested positive.

As a result the factory will close voluntarily from today, and most employees and their direct households will be required to isolate at home for two weeks. This excludes those who have been furloughed for 14 days or more and who have not been on the Greencore site during that time, and those who have previously tested positive or been identified as a household contact of a case and have completed their required self-isolation period. The government will introduce regulations to ensure that this isolation period is enforceable and anyone who leaves isolation without a reasonable excuse prior to the required period ending will be subject to fines.

This decision has been taken as part of the ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and keep both staff and the local community safe. In the lead up to this decision Greencore has been completely cooperative with all measures suggested to ensure COVID security in the workplace.

Alongside Public Health England and Northampton Borough Council we will continue to support Greencore so that they are in a position to re-open as soon as is safe to do so.

Currently we are continuing to avoid local lockdown in the county but it is essential that everyone works together to reduce transmission of the virus as otherwise there is a very real possibility that even stricter intervention measures will follow.

As always, we value your support in sharing the key information encouraging local people to stay safe. The latest information and guidance for the public is being shared at https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates and if they access social media, our community can follow updates using the hashtag #NorthantsTogether

The current guidance in Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough remains:

• Limit contact with others outside of your household or bubble
• Work from home if you can
• Keep 2 metres from others at all times, use a face covering where you are less than 2 metres apart
• Avoid using public transport or car sharing, wear face coverings if you cannot avoid these
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home, self-isolate and get a test
• Avoid meeting those outside of your household or bubble in an indoor space
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds each time
• Do not share items with others outside of your household or bubble
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to work, either work from home or report sick, self-isolate and get a test
• Even if you only have mild COVID-19 symptoms, get a test
• If you are contacted by test and trace and asked to self-isolate, stay at home for 14 days

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Update 15 Jun 20

The document below from SNC shows what financial support is available to residents in the Covid 19 period. It includes:

• Help with rent payments
• Universal credit
• Council Tax reduction
• Mortgage payments
• Other financial support

The Council's Money Advice Team provide a free, independent, confidential and supportive advice service to help with a range of financial issues.

UPDATE 30 MAY 20

South Northants Council have produced a number of support facilities during lockdown.

• Towcester Leisure Centre is offering free, at home, on-demand workouts.
• Walks in South Northants.
• Cycle routes in South Northants.

There is also lots more general Covid-19 support on their website.

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27 Apr 20

A Message from Towcester Foodbank

Dear Member of the Clergy, Parish Councillor, Community Leader

There are now two ways of getting food to people in Towcester and surrounding villages:

• The Foodbank is for those who are in financial difficulty, for whatever reason, and struggling to pay for food
• Community Larder is for those who are self-isolating and unable to get out to shop.

Towcester Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, has a mission to end food poverty in NN12, through working collaboratively with other local agencies.

Amidst the confusion we believe there are people in your area who are in financial need being fed by Community Larder rather than being given a voucher for Towcester Foodbank. This means they are being denied access to agencies which can help them with their financial difficulty.

The Foodbank has voucher holders throughout the community including the clergy, surgeries, schools, SNC Money Advice Team, SNC Housing Options Team and local Housing Associations who are able to help our clients with their financial issues. If you are an existing voucher holder who wants to issue e-vouchers please contact vouchers@towcester.foodbank.org.uk. If you know someone who needs a voucher, but not how to generate one, you or your client can ring the Money Advice Team on 01327 322107 and ask for a voucher.

We look forward to hearing from you

Trustees of Towcester Foodbank. 24 April 2020

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25 Apr 20

Keep Active and Well at Home during COVID-19

South Northants Council have a useful section on their web site with ideas about keeping active at home.

See

https://www.southnorthants.gov.uk/info/3/healthy-communities/193/keep-active-and-well-at-home-during-covid-19

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A Message from Anglia Water - 19 Apr 20

Anglian Water (AW) has asked parish councils to advertise the fact that some residents, including those people who are self-isolating due to Coronavirus can register for free, additional practical support from AW's Priority Services. Some of the ways being on the Priority Services Register could help include help with reading the water meter, a knock and wait service where AW will wait longer for the door to be answered when visiting, and a scheme to protect people from bogus callers and scams. Registration is quick and easy! To find out more about Priority Services and to sign up call Anglian Water on: 0800 919 155 or visit https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/

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UPDATE 24 MAR 20

CORONAVIRUS

A message from Cold Higham Parish Council – No 2 (24/3/20)

Free Food for the Most Vulnerable

Dear Parishioner

The Parish has been offered the opportunity to take part in a scheme for redistributing surplus food from Supermarkets to the most vulnerable FOR FREE during the Coronavirus pandemic. This is first and foremost for those who are suffering significant loss of income as a result of the current situation, especially if they have dependents. Those in isolation can be helped in other ways.

The food will consist of tins, sauces, bread, and some fresh - whatever is available on the day.

This will be distributed by the parish council every Wednesday afternoon, starting on 1 Apr 20. It will have to be collected from the Parish Hall in Cold Higham by ONE member of each applicable household.

IS ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD:

1. First Priority:
   1. Now out of work, having lost your job since 1 Mar 20?
   2. Suffering significant loss of income for some other reason?
2. Second Priority (in order):
   1. In receipt of a letter from the NHS asking you to remain at home for 12 weeks? (In this case we will arrange delivery to you).
   2. Self- isolating due to age (over 70) or other vulnerability?
   3. In any other difficulty?

In all cases, proof will be required of the stated need.

IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE AND YOU NEED HELP THEN YOU MUST:

Please register with the email address below sending some proof of your situation, or if you cannot email then ring me - see below.

We do not know exactly what food will be made available, but each week we will allocate whatever we receive to the most needy, and they will be told to attend the parish hall at a given time – WITH THEIR OWN BAGS. PLEASE DO NOT TURN UP UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL.

There will be checks and paperwork to complete before collecting the food.

IT IS VITAL TO FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SAKE AND FOR THE SAKE OF OUR KIND VOLUNTEERS. PLEASE THEREFORE OBEY ALL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER. THANK YOU.

Digby Carter Chairman, Cold Higham Parish Council

cvhelpchpc@gmail.com

01327 830521

Keep updated on www.coldhigham-pc.gov.uk

Thanks to those who have volunteered to help – we could do with some more please.

For data protection purposes, information will be held on a personal computer and used only for the specific purpose of helping during the Coronavirus period. After that it will be destroyed.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS BELOW

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UPDATE 18 MAR 20

CORONAVIRUS

A message from Cold Higham Parish Council

Dear Parishioner

You will realise that we are in extraordinary times. I will not repeat all the advice coming from Government about staying safe. Suffice to say you can view the information (which is changing rapidly) at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you do not have access to a computer then please keep listening to the radio/TV to keep up to date with events and advice/instructions.

A significant number of our parishioners fall into the 'at risk' group (over 70s, or with underlying health conditions) and they are likely to be asked to self-isolate for several weeks. This note is to try and provide a local support system for these people particularly, but for everyone in general.

Below is a list of actions which you can take NOW, either to help yourself or to support others.

SELF-ISOLATING?

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER/TABLET/SMARTPHONE?

• The parish Nextdoor App will be the quickest and simplest way of communicating around the parish.
  • If you are not already a member, please join. You will need to be invited, so get in touch with me (see below).
  • If you are already a member, check on the Map to see if any neighbours/friends are not members, and invite them to join.
  • If you are self- isolating, keep in touch by video link with family/friends. Skype (https://www.skype.com/en/) and Google Hangouts (https://hangouts.google.com) are both free, and you can use them to talk to one or a number of contacts at the same time. There are also others.
  • If you haven't got an internet account with one of the supermarkets, now is the time, perhaps, to get one and learn how to use it. And when you do have one, consider booking a delivery slot well in advance (?3 weeks) before you know what you need.
  • If you are uncertain about using any new aspect of computing but now would like to try, contact me (see below).
  • Are you able to offer help/training over the phone/online? Let me know (see below).

NO COMPUTER?

• Make sure you have phone numbers to hand of your nearest neighbours.
• Make sure you keep my phone number handy (see below).

NOT SELF-ISOLATING?

• Check any neighbour who is self-isolating regularly (by phone or email).
• Try to persuade any neighbour to join Nextdoor if possible.
• Volunteer to assist (see below). pto

EVERYONE

I will maintain a register of people who are willing to provide assistance to those self-isolating, as well as those wanting support.

• Willing to help?
  • Please contact* me (see below) with your name, location and contact details and how you could help.
  • Needing help? Or just want to chat?
    • Contact* me (see below) when you need help and I will endeavour to put you in touch with an appropriate 'Good Samaritan'.
    • Please do NOT call the parish clerk – she lives in Hardingstone.

If you have any thoughts about how the parish council can help further please contact me.

WE WILL BEAT CORONAVIRUS.

Stay safe – wash your hands!

Digby Carter

Chairman

Cold Higham Parish Council

01327 830521

Digby.carter@btopenworld.com

Web site: www.coldhigham-pc.gov.uk (there will shortly be a special update page)

*For data protection purposes, this minimal information will be held on a personal computer and used only for the specific purpose of helping during the Coronavirus period. After that it will be destroyed.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS BELOW