Letter from Cllr Mary Maguire – Coronavirus – Enfield response update
Letter from Cllr Mary Maguire – Coronavirus – Enfield response update
28 March 2020
Subject: Coronavirus – Enfield response update
Dear Friends,
I hope you are keeping safe and well in what must be our biggest national emergency since WWII. Our way of life has changed completely in the past few weeks as the country deals with the coronavirus crisis. I wanted to give you as much information as I can about how the council has been working to bring help to residents in need and to keep residents safe.
I know that many residents, in addition to fearing for their health and the health of their loved ones, will be worried about paying bills, putting food on the table, or losing their homes, as a result of the nationwide lockdown.
I, my councillor colleagues, council officers and staff, have been working throughout the past week to ensure the safety and health of Enfield residents. We have agreed and taken a number of measures to that end. I attach advice leaflets on council tax, housing, and the Enfield Stands Together campaign.
All non-essential shops and community spaces have been closed. Our libraries and leisure centres, too, are closed. Following government advice, Enfield council has also had to close a number of our face-to-face contact points to help stop the spread of the virus and to keep our residents and staff safe during this time.
The parks and open spaces in our borough currently remain open, although we have cordoned off play areas and outdoor gym equipment – please do not use them. Residents are asked to follow strict social distancing guidance. We have all been advised by the medical experts to keep two metres (just over 6 ft for those of us pre-decimal) away from other people and wash our hands regularly.
The council is working closely with the NHS, police, our fantastic community groups and our Enfield businesses. Our Enfield Stands Together campaign ensures we have community resilience. We are recruiting volunteers and identifying our most at-risk residents. Obviously, our council staff are as affected by the spread of coronavirus as residents. The staff have been making a massive effort to keep services running at this difficult time.
We have opened up a new supply centre, bought in food supplies , cleaning products and other essentials. It is a massive operation and we will distribute those supplies to those most in need – including those residents identified by the NHS as being on the shielded list (ie those who should stay at home for 12 weeks). And we have also secured a supply of PPE for our social care workers.
We already have a number of local businesses helping, and many volunteers, but we do need more help. If you can volunteer or you, or anyone you know needs help, you can phone us on 0203 821 1966 or complete our online form enfield.gov.uk/EST.
You can also find more information here: Enfield's response to coronavirus (COVID-19) · Enfield Council
Enfield's response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Best wishes,
STAY HOME, PROTECT OUR NHS, SAVE LIVES
Cllr Mary Maguire
Palmers Green Ward
Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement
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