Food Bank
We’ve updated our webpages as we continue our support for foodbanks at this time – you can find the information here
Testing centres
You will be aware the government are increasing the number of centres testing for coronavirus for NHS staff and keyworkers. A testing centre has been opened in Tipner, Portsmouth that will serve Hampshire (IOW will have a separate facility.)
This network will provide thousands more swab tests – which are used to identify if you currently have the virus – for critical key workers, starting with NHS front line staff. This means those who test negative for coronavirus can return to work as soon as possible, and those who test positive should continue their recovery at home.
The testing centres, although predominantly aimed at NHS staff, are available to those identified as key workers at a local authority level by appointment only. As this is about reducing the spread and ensuring a return to work (if testing negative), it is likely to only apply to those who are not currently working at home, have roles that are still out in the community and are critical in terms of service continuation.
Testing is only available if you are symptomatic (and only for less than five days) if you are not symptomatic, you would be turned away from a testing centre. Additionally, if a key worker is self-isolating because a household member is symptomatic, then all symptomatic household members who have been symptomatic for less than five days are eligible for testing, 5-18 year olds will require a parent or guardian to perform the test in a self-test bay, under 5s cannot be tested at the test centres.
Emergency Dental Care
Across every NHS region a Local Urgent Dental Care system has been created to provide care for people with urgent and emergency dental problems.
Urgent Dental Care centres (also known as hubs) have been set up to meet the distinct needs of people with urgent dental care needs during the current pandemic – you can read more in the attachment
A letter from the Mayor
Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Darshan Man has written to all the amazing people
across the Borough who have volunteered to thank them for their help“It is through actions such as
yours that our community, the rest of the country and indeed the wider world
will overcome this virus, through togetherness, unity of purpose and compassion
for others.” The
full letter can be viewed
here
Restarting
(external) Pest Control
We have been working to restart our pest control service. We have reviewed its
operation in line with government advice and undertaken risk assessments and we
will, from today, be able to resume external pest control work, providing there
is no need to access the property to undertake the work.
Health and Wellbeing
We are adding to our Health and Wellbeing at Home web pages regularly and
there’s updated Mental Health Services information as well as support for
children and young people. Find out more here: http://ow.ly/ST3x50zle5V
Latest business newsletter
You may be aware that we also do regular newsletter for businesses – you can find the latest one here
Veterans support
Veterans’ Gateway is supporting the veteran community through the Covid-19 epidemic. More information can be found here:
www.veteransgateway.org.uk/have-you-been-affected-by-covid-19-we-can-help/
Access to parks and public spaces
Local Government Minister Simon Clarke has today (23 April) written to all English councils urging them to continue allowing access to parks and public spaces, while recognising that it is no easy task balancing the need to maintain services alongside wider responsibilities for the health and wellbeing of residents.
In the letter, the Local Government Minister also thanked councils for keeping essential services running and protecting those in their communities who are most at risk, and highlighted that the closures guidance will be updated to make clear that burial grounds and cemeteries may remain open.
Gain an Arts Award from home
The Point are inviting their local community to get creative at home and are running a virtual programme of Arts Award Discover for children and young people in Eastleigh Borough. Arts Award Discover is a Trinity College London qualification designed for ages 5 to 25 to explore the arts – it’s about trying things out, learning about creative people and sharing their findings with someone else. It’s really straightforward to do, whether you have experience in the arts or have decided to do something different at home! Find out more
New helpline from Solent Mind
Solent Mind have launched a new helpline for anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Phonelines are open 10am-4pm Monday-Friday – call 023 8017 9049 https://www.solentmind.org.uk/coronavirus-helpline/#call
Q&A about Coronavirus from Public Health England
You may find this Q&A useful – it was last updated on Monday https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
Stay Safe Online
The government has today (23 April) published new advice to help people, particularly children, stay safe online during the coronavirus outbreak.
The guidance sets out a four-point plan and recommends reviewing security and safety settings, checking facts and guarding against disinformation, being vigilant against fraud and scams, and managing the amount of time spent online https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online
Domestic abuse – silent call for help
We’re helping the police raise awareness of the silent communication that will let a call handler know if you are in danger but unable to speak – dial 999 and then 55