Haringey coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
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Halloween high alert – stay safe this autumn
With Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching this is a reminder to all residents that Haringey remains in Tier Two of the regulations and we are determined to protect our communities and contain the spread of the virus in the borough.
We understand this a time of year where people would normally congregate together but as part of our Autumn nights planning, we would encourage everyone to comply with social distance rules and remember you must never be with more than six people outside. Read the government’s Tier 2 guidance (external link).
Public Health England are encouraging families to think twice about trick or treating this Halloween. They advise that children going door to door, ringing on the same doorbells and rummaging in the same bowl of sweets, is an unnecessary risk.
However you intend to celebrate Halloween, please consider vulnerable residents, who may be particularly anxious and alarmed by repeated knocks on their door.
Council officers will be involved in engaging with local businesses to ensure they are compliant with the regulations which includes shops not selling age-restricted fireworks to youngsters, and our team will be carrying out random visits to make sure that all rockets comply with the regulations.
We will be making sure illegal bonfires are cleared from streets and parks and will be working with police colleagues to stamp out any kind of anti-social behaviour.
Haringey Council take this issue of fly-tipping extremely seriously and as an additional part of our Autumn Nights planning, we will take action against anyone who fly-tips in the borough. You can report any incident through the council’s Wall of Shame.
As many families prepare to have events at home this year, we are urging people to keep a look out for potential arson risks in your local area and be mindful when disposing of rubbish, to help reduce the risk of arson attacks.
Cllr Mark Blake, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
These have been some of the most challenging times our residents have ever experienced, but we have worked so hard to combat the threat of Covid-19 and we cannot take our foot off the pedal now.
I appreciate a number of people will want to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night but we have to follow the rules that have been put in place and I urge everyone to stay at home where they can and respect the rule of six both indoors and outdoors. Together we can help keep the number of Covid cases down and get back to some kind of normality.
As the nights draw in it is important our residents remain vigilant around home security and utilise the Burglary prevention advice on the Met Police website (external link). Residents can also report any crime or breach of Covid-19 regulations on the Met Police Twitter feed - @MetCC (external link).
Keep it treat this Halloween
With Halloween coming up, you may be looking for ways to mark the occasion at home during the pandemic.
Why not print off these “Keep it Treat” Halloween sketches to colour in?
We know that some residents – particularly those who are vulnerable – may be anxious about people knocking on their doors. Why not put this pumpkin A4 poster in your window to ask people not to knock, or share it with someone who may need it?
There is also plenty to do with the kids, with our October Half Term fun programme.
Public Health England London are encouraging families to think twice about trick or treating this Halloween. They advise that children going door to door, ringing on the same doorbells and rummaging in the same bowl of sweets, is an unnecessary risk.
However you do Halloween, remember that London is on High COVID-19 Alert – this means that we cannot meet indoors with anybody outside our household or support bubble. You must also never be with more than 6 people outside. Read the government’s Tier 2 guidance (external link) and remember, wash your hands, wear a mask where required, and keep a safe distance from others.
Please do be mindful of those not able or comfortable to take part this year due to the pandemic.
Together we can help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Free School Meals: October Half Term
Haringey Council unequivocally supports Marcus Rashford’s campaign urging the government to feed children over the holidays. We are working in partnership with our schools to make sure this is possible.
We will provide a £15 voucher for the parents of every child in receipt of Free School Meals (FSMs) to cover the October half-term holiday this week (26-30 October).
We will also seek the assistance of schools and our community channels to ensure parents of children receiving FSMs are aware of, and can access, the scheme. Those unable to receive a voucher this week will be able to receive a voucher from their school next week (2-6 November).
The council is also funding a food network co-ordinator as the pandemic continues to hit some of our least-well off residents the hardest.
In Haringey, we have amazing community support. If you, or someone you know, needs to access our Haringey Food Network (including foodbanks), you can find help via this map (external link).
For further information, see the News section of this website.
UPDATE: If your child or children usually receive Free School Meals from a Haringey school, please contact the school directly to access your £15 per child voucher.
Parents who are unable to access their vouchers during half term week will be able to do so when schools return next week (2-6 November).
If you are unable to access your voucher during half term week and need additional food support urgently, please contact Connected Communities 0208 489 4431 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
They will help coordinate the assistance and support you and your child/children need, ensuring you are sufficiently funded or stocked with supplies prior to your child’s return to school next Monday (2 November 2020).
See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
Visit the Gov.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
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