“As the Covid-19 health crisis accelerates, my first thoughts and I’m sure yours, are with all those who are unwell, at home or in hospital, including our Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is in intensive care. I wish him and all those affected, a safe and swift recovery.
Sadly, I must also send my condolences to anyone who has tragically lost a loved one during this health crisis. The daily statistics released by Government are a stark reminder of what is at stake and why it is so important that we follow Government guidance to stay home, save lives, and protect our NHS. Please, please, continue to do this.
Parks
With some good weather predicted for the Easter weekend, it may be tempting to spend more time outside your homes or to meet up with family and friends. Quite simply – please don’t. Our parks are open because we know how important it is to our many residents without their own gardens, to be able to walk through a green space while taking their (once) daily exercise. However, I must stress that this is all they are open for.
Please do not gather in parks, use playground or gym equipment, sunbathe or have barbecues, and please do maintain the two-metre distancing rules at all times. The police and our neighbourhood safety officers will be carrying out joint patrols to ensure everyone is sticking to these rules and will take enforcement action if necessary.
Help and support over the holiday
And it won’t be just be our neighbourhood safety officers working over the Easter period – our response to the Covid-19 crisis continues 24/7, with our usual critical services in operation. Frontline services including bin collections, street cleaning, adult and children’s social care continue to run seven days a week. Our council contact centre remains open on 020 8726 6000 for urgent enquires.
In addition, with our partners in the voluntary sector, we continue to provide much-needed support to more thousands of vulnerable people since the COVID-19 lockdown, delivering food and essential supplies.
You can find more information about how to contact us, as well the latest updates on our services, on our COVID-19 webpages.
So I want to thank everyone who is continuing to do their bit for Croydon this weekend, not only council staff but those in the NHS, police, fire brigade, voluntary sector and retail – right across the community. A special thank you to teachers and support staff in our schools, many of whom will continue to stay open throughout the Easter break, providing care for our most vulnerable children and those of key workers, so their parents can continue to do their jobs in critical services.
Personal protective equipment
There has been much media coverage about the national shortage of personal protective equipment for those working on the frontline. The Government have said they are addressing this, but in the meantime, I want to reassure you that we are taking action locally to boost Croydon’s supplies and ensure our care workers have what they need. Following our call out last week, more than 20 businesses came forward to donate supplies, which was a fantastic response. We are still keen to hear from others locally, so if you can help, please contact us on PPErequests@Croydon.gov.uk
Finally, I want to wish all of you and your families a restful and safe weekend, and a peaceful Easter.
Yours,
Tony
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
