Coronavirus

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  • #5484
    Peter Wright
    Participant

      About 70% of Camden Leaseholders are on the Camden Account, and may receive e-mails from the Council about the current Coronavirus pandemic through that route. I shall post them here as well, beginning with the announcement of the Leader, Councillor Georgia Gould.
      Peter Wright
      Chair Camden Leaseholders Forum

      In a wide-ranging response to the coronavirus pandemic, Camden Council will aim to act as a community leader, mobilising all organisations and, together with key partners, will do the following:

      We will keep vital services running – even if they have to be delivered in a different way
      We will ensure no Council tenant loses their home because they are affected by COVID19
      We will ensure that those who work for care providers don’t have to choose between their wage, their health and the health of those they support
      We will help to ensure everyone has access to food whether they are unwell, isolating or caring
      We will support, encourage and mobilise the huge community spirit which exists in Camden – sign up to volunteer

      Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, said:

      “The Prime Minister’s announcement this evening stresses again that we all need to listen to public health advice to keep ourselves, our families, our neighbours and our communities safe. New guidance means everyone should be minimising their social contact, reducing unnecessary travel and staying at home if they or anyone in their household has any symptoms. Please follow the daily guidance coming from the government and take extra care if you are over 70, if you are pregnant or have underlying health conditions.

      “It is now clear that the coronavirus pandemic is set to challenge us all in ways the like of which many of us have never experienced before. Amid the uncertainty one thing is for sure: we will need to work together and help each other out over the coming months. Our day to day aim in Camden is that no-one should get left behind – and this will focus our efforts as we face up to the crisis.

      “I want to speak to everyone who has worries and concerns. I feel these too – and we do not know exactly what the coming months will bring. But we can control what we do, what actions we take on a personal and collective level. And today, I set out five initial commitments we are making to respond to this crisis.

      “Firstly – we have robust plans in place to keep vital services running during this period, in particular care for older people and those with disabilities. We will be managing our workforce in a sensible way, and according to national guidance, to ensure we remain resilient. We will be flexible and are prepared to work differently if necessary to support our residents. We will also be introducing services in direct response to the virus including rigorous cleaning of our estates, leisure centres, libraries and public facilities.

      “We will not allow any evictions from our council housing if there is clear evidence that the resident has been unable to pay rent as a direct result of the coronavirus. We urge Government to give clear guidance on evictions and ensure that no-one is deprived of a home and shelter at this time because of their health. We urge other landlords to do the same. Nobody should have to choose between their home and their health.

      “Equally, no-one should choose between a wage and their health. We understand for employers and small businesses this is a really difficult time. We are speaking with our Business Board and the Federation of Small Businesses about the support they need. We will support those working for our care providers by ensuring they are no worse off. We urge businesses and Government to follow this lead.

      “Today we met with community groups and businesses to talk about the issue of food accessibility and how we can ensure everyone has access to food whether they are unwell, isolating or caring. This week we will share the outcome of this work we are doing to get food to people’s homes, particularly those who are vulnerable or those with families.

      “Finally, we will support, encourage and mobilise the huge community spirit which exists in Camden. I have received many emails over the last few days asking how you can help your neighbours to keep them safe and supported at this time. Camden already has so many voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and tenant and resident associations with long-standing community relationships and experience of getting things done. We are working closely with them to support mutual aid networks in communities. Anyone who feels they can help can sign up to volunteer – join the effort.

      “This is going to be a tough period and things will change every day – but we can get through it by thinking of each other with every action, and taking care of our neighbours along with ourselves. Our communities make Camden – and will help us through this.”

      For information:

      Camden Council have set up a dedicated webpage on the coronavirus linking to a range of information for schools and care homes, right down to information for what to do if you are pregnant or a new parent.

      #5485
      Peter Wright
      Participant

        Here is the second notice being circulated and comes from ‘The Housing Team’

        Peter Wright
        Chair Leaseholders Forum

        COVID-19 – a message from Camden Council’s housing team

        Dear resident

        As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic develops, I’m writing to let you know that your safety and wellbeing is always the council’s first priority. National guidance has been issued this week and I know that residents are very worried, but I reassure you that we are well prepared and have plans in place to support you and keep your housing services running. We have strong communities and tenant leaders, and we will work alongside you to get through this difficult time.

        We know we will have to move our teams around as our staff are forced to self-isolate, but we are ready to work differently to support everyone who lives in our council homes as much as we can. You will see some changes to your services but please bear with us as we work hard to make sure that all essential work continues, and that the most vulnerable people in our communities get the help they need.

        Your housing teams

        Your neighbourhood housing teams will continue to work, but to protect residents and staff, the team will only be carrying out essential visits. They will be prioritising supporting vulnerable residents and people living alone with other support needs. Please look out for your neighbours, particularly if they are older, and if you are worried about them please call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). If you live alone and need help to go shopping and can’t ask family, friends or neighbours for help, contact us on the same number.

        If you are worried about paying your rent we can help

        We know that many of our residents who are working will be very worried about the impact of the situation on their income. If your financial situation has changed and you are concerned about how you will pay your rent or council tax, we are here to help. No tenant will be evicted from our council homes if there is clear evidence that they have been unable to pay rent as a direct result of COVID-19. Please get in touch with your neighbourhood housing officer as soon as possible so we can offer you support and advice. The council is committed to supporting tenants through this very difficult time.

        If you’re concerned about not being able to pay your rent because you pay in cash or use an Allpay card, speak to your neighbourhood housing officer. You can also pay for your rent online at camden.gov.uk/your-council-rent or over the phone on 020 7974 4444.

        Temporary changes to the repairs service

        We will continue to carry out all communal and external works to your homes as normal, but for the time being we will only carry out priority repairs inside tenants’ homes. This is to keep you and our staff safe, and to avoid the spread of COVID-19. If a council officer or contractor needs to access your home, it will only be if it’s really necessary for you and the other people in your building, so please let them in.

        Essential repairs include: heating and hot water, lifts, leaks, windows and door issues including locks and essential carpentry, sanitary plumbing, electrical work, health and safety works and fire safety works.

        Non-urgent repairs like decorating, plastering, or non-emergency surveys will be temporarily put on hold. Our normal service will start again once the risk from coronavirus has reduced and we will keep you updated of any developments.

        Our repairs call centre staff will ask everyone requesting a repair if anyone in their household is self-isolating. Repairs staff or our contractors will only attend a home where a tenant is self-isolating in an emergency, on a case by case basis, following advice from our public health team. If staff or contractors need to carry out an emergency repair in your home and someone is self-isolating or has COVID-19, they will wear full protective clothing – this is to keep everyone safe.

        If you have any queries about repairs please call Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444.

        Your caretaking service

        As planned, we will be taking over the external cleaning of estates from 6 April, and you will see your caretakers in their new blue uniforms. Having said that, the most important thing for us is to keep you safe and well, so we may need to use the service in a different way and move caretakers to where they are needed most.

        Although you might not see your usual caretaker on your estate as we move staff around to cover as necessary, we reassure you that essential services – cleaning, health and safety, reporting emergency repairs in communal areas and supporting our most vulnerable residents – will continue to be our priority across the borough.

        We need to be realistic about the caretaking resources we have as we need to maintain essential services, but we do expect our staff to need to self-isolate. Our focus will be on protecting our most vulnerable residents, and we will be providing extra cleaning in our sheltered schemes where people need it most. Your caretakers will keep estates safe and clean, but we are asking every resident and visitor to follow the Public Health England advice that everyone should wash their hands thoroughly when they get home to protect themselves and their families. Public Health England advise that you:

        wash your hands more often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
        avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
        avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
        cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
        clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home.

        Please help your caretakers to keep everyone safe and well by disposing of your rubbish properly, in tied up bags and in the right place.

        Helping your community

        In the coming months we will need to work together and help each other out. If you are healthy and are not showing symptoms, please think about your neighbours and other people who may need help. If someone needs help with shopping or is likely to be feeling lonely, please look out for them in a safe way. We are creating a register of volunteers to help local people with anything from delivering food to making phone calls to cheering up people in isolation. To sign up as a volunteer visit help.timetospare.com/camden

        Maintaining your mental health

        There are a range of simple things you can do to help keep mentally healthy and physically active when you can’t get out and about as normal at oneyoucamden.org

        Camden Age UK have also set up a number of activities and services for people aged over 55 who are unwell, self-isolating or struggling to get out that you can take part in from home. They are offering an assisted online shopping service, livestreaming music recitals every day, an online book club and a telephone befriending service. Visit ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400 to find out more about what they have on offer for Camden residents.

        For more information

        We will continue to update our webpage at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus including information from Public Health England. We would like to keep you updated as everything is changing very quickly, so to sign up for email updates register at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates

        We really appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone but your housing staff are here to support you, your family and your community in every way we can.

        Yours faithfully

        Cllr Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes

        #5489
        mahanprem
        Participant

          Hello,
          Like most of you I have just received a service charge bill and an estimated major works bill for the coming year.
          I am a freelancer and have lost all my work for the foreseeable future. I have also lost a tenant due to the corona situation.
          Does anyone know if Camden Council intend to offer us some help with these bills?
          It seems unreasonable to say the least to make a demand in advance for work is very unlikely to be carried out for at least six months.
          Also, will there be any leeway with the regular service charge?
          Stressful times. Thanks for any information.
          I hope you are all well and safe.
          Mahan Prem.

          #5491
          Peter Wright
          Participant

            Mahan,
            Thanks; I will take this up.

            Peter Wright
            Chair, Camden Leaseholders Forum

            #5492
            Peter Wright
            Participant

              My third update follows; if you want a version with the links

              As we enter lockdown new volunteers and new services are appearing to help Camden’s residents.
              Camden Council appealed for volunteers who have been directed to voluntary sector groups. It seems to have partnered with Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) which is coordinating voluntary sector activity, and with age UK Camden which is developing more personal services.
              VAC is trying to list and support local groups; you can see their work here, and the list of groups here. Age UK Camden sets out its activities here. The main one delivers basic food to those in need; I append the latest information about this from Camden Council.
              COVID-19 Mutual Aid UK has published a list of local groups here. Camden COVID-19 Mutual Aid has a Facebook page here. Nextdoor (nextdoor.com) is a website for local groups and volunteers. It has listed its volunteers to help with the pandemic on a map so you can see who lives near you; it is here.
              The ‘Camden New Journal’ has ongoing reporting of the pandemic here.
              Clinicians are reporting that loss or impairment of the sense of smell is a common and early symptom of COVID-19 infection. It also means that taste is lost or impaired as well. They advised that anyone who developed such symptoms without having had a head injury should consider that they may have the infection.
              The good news is that all this activity begins to assemble the way to get us all through the pandemic.

              Emergency Food Packages – provision available for those in crisis
              In recognition of the increased risk of food poverty in Camden due to Covid-19, we are partnering with Age UK to deliver emergency food packages to those that are:
              • Housebound and
              • Can’t get food and
              • Are in food crisis (loosely defined as 2 days or less of food and without perishables)
              For clarity: although we are partnering with Age UK, this offer is not restricted to those over 55. It is for anyone that is housebound, can’t get food and is in food crisis.

              From Tuesday 24th March Camden residents experiencing the challenges listed above will be able to get one of these emergency food packages through:
              • Calling Age UK
              • Calling Camden’s customer support line/ Covid-19 helpline
              • Referral by Age UK
              • Referral by Camden staff
              We are exploring how to refer from other VCS orgs, but in the immediate term VCS partners can call Age UK.

              The emergency package contains: milk, bread, butter, eggs, biscuits, tea, coffee, tinned food, cereal, toilet roll & soap.

              If you know of a resident that needs this support, you can refer them using this online form. There are two versions for the form. One for the north and south of the borough, depending on where the resident being referred lives. Anything north of Mornington Crescent tube will be NORTH & anything south, so including Somers Town and King’s Cross, will be SOUTH.
              The referrals will then be sent to the relevant team for distribution
              You will need to provide the following information:
              • Name
              • Telephone number
              • Address
              • Delivery instructions
              • Whether they have any allergies
              • Whether they have any symptoms of Covid-19
              • The name of the person making the referral
              • Whether the individual consents to their data being shared with Age UK in order that they can send a delivery package

              This a new service that we have implemented rapidly to try and respond to the challenges posed by Covid-19. We know we need to do more to prevent people going into food crisis. Work to this effect in underway and more details will follow.

              #5495
              bourneestate
              Participant

                Camden Council’s major works programme with Wates at the helm is a disaster on the Bourne Estate London EC1N. For over a year they have blocked light, increased burglaries and caused misery to hundreds of residents, many elderly and vulnerable, with over-running works and ignored contact. WHEN WILL IT TAKE DOWN THE SCAFFOLDING as work stopped months ago, well before Covid-19 (which they are now happily writing to leaseholders to tell them that’s the reason they will continue to do not much at all).

                #5496
                Peter Wright
                Participant

                  In response to Mahan and to others in a similar situation, I am advised of a decision today by Camden. ” Leaseholders who have problems will be able to agree a delay to their service charge payments of up to three months. They will need to contact Leaseholders Services directly…….We are also doing some calling today re some of our elderly leaseholders to see if they are ok and need help”.

                  The Services team is said to working from home and all are well, so a normal service is operating.

                  Peter Wright
                  Chair Camden Leaseholders Forum

                  #5497
                  mahanprem
                  Participant

                    Thanks Peter.
                    In response to my enquiry, I received the following, which will hopefully remove the immediate stress of Major Works charges for leaseholders:

                    “Thank you for your email

                    I will ask one of our leasehold officers to review your account

                    You don’t have to start paying for major works until works start on site and we will write to you when this happens and advise on help

                    In respect of your day to day service charges they will advise if the first payment can be delayed for two months and will liaise with you going forward.

                    Kind regards

                    Mike Edmunds

                    Head of Leaseholders Services”

                    #5499
                    Peter Wright
                    Participant

                      Here is a formal update on the state of the capital programme and other repair works:-

                      Update on construction work across Repairs, Better Homes and the Community Investment Programme

                      Current government guidance is that construction work on site can continue in line with guidelines around social distancing. Camden is working closely with all our contractors to ensure the health and safety of our residents and their workforce. Working with contractors we have stopped work on a number of large sites or are in the process of safely shutting down sites this week so that they can be safely vacated. Where work is continuing we are working with contractors to ensure measures are in place to protect workers and residents.

                      Community Investment Programme
                      We have paused all new work, postponing work that was due to commence shortly across four sites. There are currently three live construction sites across the Programme. Two of these sites are shutting down with contractors completing essential work this week to make them safe to vacate. One site remains open and is practicing safe working and following current Government guidelines.

                      Better Homes Programme and Fire Safety Works
                      The Council has 50 sites open at different stages. We have taken the following steps to prioritise safety:
                      • Closing projects delivering work in the communal areas and inside properties across our sheltered housing schemes
                      • Not opening any more properties on internal works projects such as kitchen and bathroom works, making safe or completing properties that were already opened
                      • Not commencing any further window replacements across the programme as these require internal access

                      The Council is continuing to deliver external work such as roof replacements, works to the wall finish, lift installation and fire safety works such as communal alarms and installation of fire rated front doors. Where internal access is required for essential work we are asking residents to confirm whether they or members of their household are self-isolating, should this be the case appointments are re-scheduled.

                      Contractors have been asked to wear personal protective equipment where required and we have set out our expectations for safe working having consulted Public Health. We are working closely with contractors to make sure that they are working safely.

                      Housing Maintenance
                      The Council’s in house team have postponed all non-urgent internal works. Contractors that maintain mechanical and electrical systems such as communal heating, boilers and lift, have all implemented similar protocols.

                      We have put in place safe working arrangements so that we can attend emergency repairs in properties where residents are self-isolating. These arrangements have been developed by working with colleagues in Public Health.

                      Kind Regards

                      Jeremy Shapiro
                      Head of CIP Programme Office

                      #5506
                      Peter Wright
                      Participant

                        Easter Newsletter

                        1. The scheduled June round of DMCs has now been formally cancelled.
                        2. National guidance on precautions from Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to change frequently and suddenly; new guidance on masks was given last Sunday without notice. Further information on construction works from Camden is attached. I am seeking clarification of some of it, given there are ongoing issues between construction companies and HSE and PHE over implementing their official guidance (see here). Guidance on gas safety checks (which Camden is bound to follow for tenanted properties) has also changed as set out here.
                        3. A TRA has suggested we fund Age UK Camden to send out basic food parcels. I will explore that with other DMC Chairs and would be grateful for views from TRAs. Have you heard of residents who are having problems getting food?
                        4. A revised and updated list of resources during the pandemic is appended; almost all are free.
                        5. The good news is that 70% of those entering St Thomas’ ICU with coronavirus infection are leaving alive and recovered, and new ways of treating the disease are emerging so that may rise.

                        Further Camden Information on Construction Work
                        The safety and wellness of our residents and people working for the Council – whether staff or contractors – is our first priority. The Council is taking action across its services to make sure that we keep staff and residents safe during the current Covid-19 crisis.
                        Some essential work and services continue and at present this includes external works, Fire Safety Works and Mechanical & Electrical works to keep homes safe and in good repair.
                        We have set out our expectations with regards safe working following advice from our Public Health team.
                        Our contractors have been asked to make sure that their operatives and staff have personal protective equipment where this is required, observe good hand hygiene and practice social distancing to keep everyone safe.
                        We have put in place an inspection regime to make sure these new working arrangements are monitored. More detailed arrangements are as follows:
                        • On entering site workers are to maintain social distancing and undertake hand-washing at regular intervals throughout the day. Those showing any symptoms or are known to have come into contact with potential carriers are to self-isolate in line with PHE recommendations.
                        • Where external works are undertaken to a building, contractors are to ensure social distancing or proper use of PPE in line with a specific risk assessment. Aside from Covid-19 risks, relevant PPE pertaining to the tasks being delivered would be worn, this may include face masks where dust is produced and gloves where required for manual handling etc.
                        • Window replacement works have been placed on hold owing to the general requirement to have multiple workers operating inside properties during the installation process
                        • FRA works – the replacement of front doors and installation of communal alarms and smoke / heat detectors in resident’s hallways (in line with recommendations of the Fire Risk Assessments) can proceed provided contractors have confirmed safe methods of work and residents confirm that they are:
                        o Not currently self-isolating
                        o Not currently diagnosed with COVID-19
                        o Not in groups considered at risk
                        o Able to comply with social distancing arrangements, i.e. isolating themselves from the work area through the installation process.
                        • Communal area works – works to communal areas can proceed provided they have relevant safe working methods which maintain social distancing. These will be individually assessed as to whether they can progress depending on the design of the building, number of staircases and likely degree of resident interaction.

                        Resources During the Pandemic

                        Camden
                        Camden Council has a webpage here. It appealed for volunteers and I am advised that some 650 responded. They have been directed to voluntary sector groups. Camden seems to have partnered with Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) which is coordinating voluntary sector activity; and with age UK Camden which is developing more personal services.
                        VAC is trying to list and support local groups; you can see their work here, and the list of groups here.
                        Age UK Camden sets out its activities here. The main one delivers basic food to those in need.
                        Finally, the Housing Department will telephone residents regularly to check they are OK,and arrange any of the above; call Camden Council on 0207 974 4444 and choose option 9. Internet access is welcomed.

                        Other Local Activity
                        COVID-19 Mutual Aid UK has published a list of local groups here. Camden COVID-19 Mutual Aid has a Facebook page here.
                        The Cooperative Society has a website for local support groups and citizens here.
                        Nextdoor (nextdoor.com) is a website for local groups and volunteers. It has listed its volunteers to help with the pandemic on a map so you can see who lives near you; it is here.
                        The ‘Camden New Journal’ has ongoing reporting of the pandemic here.

                        Shopping
                        ‘Which’ summarises supermarket arrangements here.
                        New Covent Garden is now offering home deliveries here.
                        So is Borough Market with some on-site activity see here.
                        Berwick Street Market is active see here and for Soho Dairy see footnote
                        The fruit stall in Kingsway is offering home deliveries; e-mail ffdhomedelivery@gmail.com website here.

                        Government Action
                        The government and utility companies have reached an agreement to help people with energy bills which you can find here.
                        The Chartered Institute of Housing has listed government initiatives and guidance relevant to housing professionals (which means you too) here and intends to update it.

                        Entertainment
                        Theatre from TimeIn (was TimeOut) here;
                        National Theatre here.
                        The Globe Theatre explained here, and available here.
                        Hampstead Theatre here.
                        Lloyd Webber Theatres here.
                        The show must go on, weekly Shakespeare readings here.
                        Royal Court Theatre ‘Cyprus Avenue’ here.
                        ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ from Birmingham here.
                        Art exhibitions
                        London Art Fair here.
                        Photo London here.
                        Opera
                        Daily from the Metropolitan Opera, New York here.
                        Royal Opera house here.
                        Ring Cycle from Opera North here.
                        English Touring Opera (about to start and you can subscribe) here.
                        Vienna State Opera House here.
                        Music
                        Berlin Philharmonic main website in English here, and online resources here.
                        London Symphony Orchestra here.
                        Royal Opera House concerts here.
                        Concerts and performances from King’s Place here and here.
                        Jazz from the Lincoln Centre New York here.
                        From artists at home:
                        Julia Bullock here.
                        Nadia Serota Living Music Pirate Radio here.
                        Angela Hewitt here.
                        Andrea Bocelli here.
                        Popular from JamBase here.
                        Dance
                        Dance from Sadlers’ Wells here.
                        Alvin Ailey Theatre here.
                        Bolshoi Theatre here.
                        Performance
                        Royal Albert Hall here.
                        Whitechapel Gallery here.
                        Performances from the Southbank Centre here and here.
                        Soho Theatre performance recordings can be rented here, including Fleabag for COVID-19 charities.
                        Cirque du Soleil here.
                        Literary
                        Penguin authors speaking from home weekly here.

                        Family Orientated
                        Ideas from Gumtree here and for Easter here.
                        Home Education courses here and from the Spectator here.
                        Free English, Maths and Sciences Courses for pupils of all ages here.
                        Museums online can be found here, and British Museum podcasts here.
                        Virtual Chelsea Flower Show here.
                        Somerset House here.
                        Anglican Easter Church services are online here.

                        Business
                        Comments from the founder of Seedrs here and here.

                        Coronavirus
                        If you want to read about the science of the virus, you can access articles from the ‘Scientific American’ here.
                        Cambridge University Centre Science and Policy has a series of podcasts on Science Policy and Pandemics here.

                        (Footnote: Soho Dairy is up and running @BerW1ckStMarket with naturally high nutrition milks, creams, eggs, cheeses, butters, loo roll and sanitiser refill (bring your own bottle) Monday to Saturday 7am to 3pm through this episode – 02078494550 @SohoDairy)

                        #5511
                        Peter Wright
                        Participant

                          Notice from Camden about Services on 8th April.

                            Coronavirus and your housing services

                          Dear resident

                          You will already have seen some changes to your housing services as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic develops but your housing teams are working hard to make sure essential work continues. Your safety and wellbeing is always the council’s first priority and we are here to help you through this difficult time – you’ll find contact details at the end of this letter.

                          Temporary changes to your estate caretaking service

                          Your estate caretakers have been working incredibly hard with far fewer staff than normal, but we now need to make changes to make sure that caretaking resources are shared across Camden. We may need to move our caretakers to different parts of the borough, prioritising estates that need it most.

                          At the moment because of illness and self-isolation we have half the staff we normally do but we know that these numbers will go up and down as caretakers come back to work or go off sick. Your safety is our first priority and your caretakers will continue to keep estates to a minimum level of cleanliness and maintain health and safety.

                          Our caretakers will now only be able to carry out essential cleaning apart from on sheltered schemes where we will continue to provide our normal cleaning service – our focus is protecting our most vulnerable residents. Essential cleaning will take place from Monday to Friday and includes:

                          Outside: Your caretakers will probably not be able to sweep outside areas while we have less staff. Caretakers will continue to clean bin rooms on a rotation, attempt to unblock chutes, report emergency repairs, clean up dangerous items and move bulk waste to the right place.

                          Inside: We will for as long as possible keep lobbies clean and safe, clean lifts every day, check lights, signpost rough sleepers to support and try to move them on, report essential repairs.

                          Your caretakers will continue to keep an eye on vulnerable residents living alone as they always have done. There will still be a full out of hours emergency service provided by residential caretakers which does include emergency cleaning. This service runs from 5pm until 11pm on weekdays and 9am until 11pm at weekends.

                          Cleaning lift buttons

                          We have had a number of questions about whether we will be cleaning lift buttons several times a day. The short answer is no – a disinfected lift button only stays disinfected until the next person touches it, and it’s not possible for our caretakers to clean every button in our 500 lifts every time someone uses it. What we are asking is that everyone takes personal responsibility by making sure you wash your hands thoroughly when you get home to protect yourself and your family.

                          Help our frontline staff

                          These are unprecedented times for the service, for Camden, for you and your families – and we need to work together. There is going to be a reduced caretaking service at times and we need you to bear with us and support our key workers who are still travelling to work, sometimes from across London, to keep where you live safe and clean. Please help your frontline staff.

                          To help keep a good service running, we need everyone in Camden homes to make small changes:

                          Please stand at least 2 metres away from anyone you don’t live with, including our staff who are working.
                          Do your bit by not dropping litter and doing what you can to keep your area clean.
                          Put out your rubbish and recycling properly (in the bins or chute) so your caretakers don’t have to touch your bags. If a bin is full, find another one – and if something is too big for the chute, don’t put it in. Blocked chutes can be really dangerous and are difficult to fix.
                          Don’t put tissues, food waste, nappies or black bags in your recycling – your rubbish and recycling teams won’t be able to collect it. Flatten boxes to make room in the communal bins and if you are not sure what you can recycle, check camden.gov.uk/whatgoesinbins
                          Don’t put out bulky waste like furniture, fridges and mattresses – we might not be able to collect them so keep them inside your home for now.

                          Thank you to some of our TRAs and residents who have volunteered to help keep their estates tidy. We are grateful for your continued support.

                          Stay 2m away from everyone you don’t live with

                          To prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) everyone should stay home unless you cannot work from home, are going to buy essential groceries, attending a medical appointment or exercising (once a day). If you’re using the lift in your block and there’s someone in it already, wait for the next lift or take the stairs.

                          All playgrounds are now closed – even if your estate’s playground isn’t locked off by a gate, please keep everyone safe and do not use it.

                          Construction Works

                          Where social distancing isn’t possible, some of Camden’s major new build regeneration projects, including those in the Community Investment Programme and the West End Project, have now closed their sites.

                          Some essential works to keep our council homes safe and in good repair as part of the Better Homes programme will continue with new safe working arrangements in place. We are monitoring Government advice carefully and will update you if there are any changes to works on your building or estate.

                          Emergency repairs only

                          We will now only be carrying out emergency repairs inside tenants’ homes. Repairs to communal areas will be carried out if it is safe to do so, and we will continue to review this arrangement. Please also note that repairs to services such as lifts, communal heating and lighting are also continuing. Emergency repairs include suspected gas or carbon monoxide leaks, loss of hot water or power and any other works needed to keep your home or building safe.

                          You can find a full list of emergency repairs at camden.gov.uk/housing-repairs If you have any questions about repairs please call 020 7974 4444 (option 3 then 1).

                          If you are worried about paying your bills we can help

                          If you’re a tenant and you’re worried about paying your rent, get in touch with your neighbourhood housing officer on 020 7974 4444. No tenant will be evicted from our council homes if there is clear evidence that they have been unable to pay rent as a direct result of COVID-19. If you are a leaseholder and you think you will have difficulty paying your service charge or major works invoices, call call 020 7974 3559 or email leaseholderservices@camden.gov.uk

                          For more information about coronavirus including what it means for your council services, how to access support, look after your mental health and what you can do to help people in your community, as well as to sign up for email updates, visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus

                          If you live alone and are self-isolating or unwell and need help to go shopping, or are worried about someone else who might need help, call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).

                          Thank you for your patience and support as we work hard to keep everyone safe.
                          Cllr Apak’s signature

                          Cllr Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes

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