Currently there are no services directly impacted by Coronavirus
Watch the Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Cllr Ravi Govindia
The following statement has been released by the Council:
The safety and wellbeing of everyone who accesses council services and our staff is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are taking steps to keep our communities safe.
Currently there are no services directly impacted by Coronavirus. All our libraries and sports centres remain open. See the below for a summary on a few actions we are taking. We will also update this web page, should any council services be impacted.
Council planning
As part of our emergency planning procedures we have been holding regular meetings with senior officers across the council, reviewing each of our key services. We have been ensuring that appropriate actions are being taken to protect our staff and residents. We have also been reviewing what steps we would need to take should Government guidance change with regards to local services.
Council buildings and staff
We’ve been following the advice from Public Health England and taking all the precautionary action necessary to make sure council services and buildings (including libraries and sports centres) are safeguarded for the public and our staff. The council has followed the robust infection control processes advised by Public Health England and the NHS. We've also taken additional steps, including:
Our buildings and services remain open as usual and are safe for visitors and staff.
Our schools
We have been in regular contact with headteachers, nurseries and childminders and are issuing frequent updates, as well as guidance on managing health and safety in schools, illness prevention and public relations.
Waste and recycling services
When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces.
If you are displaying symptoms, personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste within your own room. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin including communal bins.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal. See government guidance for further information.
Care homes, vulnerable and older people
Our health and adult social care services department have been working in partnership with care providers across the borough to ensure that relevant steps are being taken to minimise the risks of the virus for both staff and residents.
See this guidance for health professionals and this for non-clinical settings.
Businesses and employers
We are reminding any local businesses to make sure they take steps to protect their staff and customers. The Government has updated its guidance to assist employers and businesses in providing advice to staff on:
Find advice on decontamination for businesses, where a possible or confirmed Covid-19 case has spent time while symptomatic.
Businesses can also download and print the government’s coronavirus posters to display within their work spaces.
The Government announced at Budget 2020 a series of measures to support businesses experiencing increases in costs or financial disruptions . These include extensions to business rate reliefs for certain business rate payers. The council will provide further information on these reliefs on its web site once guidance has been received from Government.
Communities and the voluntary sector
We’ve been working hard to provide up-to-date health information and advice to community and voluntary sector organisations.
There is no need to stop providing activities, events or services within communities, but organisers should continue good hygienic practices as advised by Public Health and display prominently the government’s Coronavirus poster.
Wandsworth Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, Shannon Katiyo, said: “I understand many will be feeling worried about the current situation. It’s important that we remain calm and follow advice to prevent the spread of the virus and that you know the amount of work being done to keep everyone safe.
“Officers at the council and our partners are working flat out to manage the situation and we have control measures in place to protect the public and reduce disruption.
“The Government and local authorities have planned extensively over the years for an event like this. We regularly practice and prepare our response to emergencies and follow tried and tested procedures to ensure that our staff and residents are protected.
“Contingency plans are already in place across council services, in line with national guidance.
“We urge all residents to keep an eye on the Government’s guidance which is regularly updated and covers a range of topics. You can also sign up to the council’s eNewsletter Brightside Online or follow the council on social media (@wandbc) for regular update on any impact on local services.
"In the meantime, we can all do our bit to help prevent the spread of the virus. The Government has advised that anyone with a "new, continuous" cough or high temperature to self-isolate for seven days. Schools have been advised to cancel trips abroad for children under 18 until further notice, and older people and those with pre-existing health concerns have been advised not to go on cruise ships.
There are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family. These include washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, including before preparing and eating food. Please cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands, if you cough or sneeze, put used tissues in the bin immediately and please avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning your hands first.
"You should remain at home until 7 days after the onset of your symptoms. After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to your normal routine. If you have not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, you should contact NHS 111 online.”
March 13, 2020