Copy
View this email in your browser

Coronavirus (COVID-19) News from Walsall Council

You have received this email because you either signed up to receive news from Walsall Council or it was sent to you under the new regulations that support the issuing of health, social care and welfare messages, and the delivery of services during the COVID-19 crisis. To view the council's privacy statement please visit our website. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the end of this email and you will be removed from this mailing list. 
Information and guidance in this email is correct at the time of distribution. Please continue to check for latest national guidance and updates from government at 
www.gov.uk/coronavirus    

Councillor Mike BirdMessage from Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council


We have all, over the past week, seen reports of the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the UK skyrocketing and so it was probably no surprise to anyone on Monday evening when the government announced a third national lockdown, with immediate effect.
 
While the rollout of the vaccine continues and more and more people right across the UK are receiving their first COVID jabs, very clear reasons were outlined by the government regarding the need for another national lockdown at this time. Put plainly, the rate of infection is increasing rapidly and is outpacing the speed at which the vaccine can be delivered. We are seeing a surge in the number of people needing hospitalisation and the NHS is again under immense pressure. People are dying. The purpose of this lockdown is to give us a chance to gain critical ground in the battle against the virus. By buying time, we will save lives.
 
We must slow the spread of COVID-19. Its prevalence in the community at this time means it is more important than ever to minimise your social contact to only that which is absolutely necessary. Community transmission remains an issue across the borough; last week an average of more than 296 people tested positive for the virus every day in Walsall. Data shows that a third of people who test positive nationally do not show any symptoms at all. Please, take a moment to reflect on that.
 
We all need to act like we have the virus and that anyone else we come into contact with has the virus too. The best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you do need to leave your home for permitted reasons, by now, Hands, Face, Space should be second nature—it is essential and it is simple.
 
At the council, we are working hard to continue to deliver essential services in line with government guidance. Household waste recycling centres are open and household bin collections and gritting of the borough’s key roads will continue as scheduled. Services and support for those experiencing homelessness, rough sleepers, domestic abuse victims and other vulnerable adults and children remains available. Updated information about our services and facilities during the lockdown period is included in this newsletter.
 
There has been much media coverage about the government’s announcement about schools, which remain open for vulnerable children and children of critical workers only. This will be difficult for families and for pupils who now return to remote learning until February half-term, and we are working closely with schools to ensure all children are supported during this time to continue with their education and achieve their full potential.

Playgrounds in our parks and green spaces are permitted to remain open for children to let off steam outside of learning—under the current national lockdown restrictions you are permitted to leave your home once a day to exercise in a public outdoor place on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. While the weather at this time of year is not ideal for outdoor activity, I urge you to wrap up warm and take the time to get outside your homes, within the guidelines, to get some fresh air and to focus on your physical and mental health.
 
I’d like to thank you all for your continued efforts during what has been a prolonged period of disruption, uncertainty and changing restrictions. 
 
Many people had high hopes for 2021, and this hope is not misplaced. We are on the way to beating COVID-19, but we can’t fall at the last hurdle. Keep yourselves and your loved ones safe so that we can together all enjoy a Happy New Year.
 
We will continue to keep you informed of developments and decisions regularly through this newsletter; however, for daily updates and advice, keep an eye on the Walsall Council website and on our social media.
 
Be safe, and remember: Hands, Face, Space.

News and updates
CCTV still of HWRC site Bin collections and tip operations during national lockdown
Walsall’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) at Merchants Way and Fryers Road remain open seven days a week. Visitors to HWRCs are asked to follow on site guidance, wash or sanitise your hands before and after your visit and wear face coverings at all times while at the site, unless you have a valid exemption. Please follow social distancing measures in place. For opening times for each site and to 'view the queue' live online before you make the trip please see our website

How do I find out when my bins will be collected? You can use the Postcode Finder on our website www.walsall.gov.uk/binsHousehold bin collections (grey and green bins) for Walsall residents will return to usual fortnightly collections from next week, Monday 11 January. If you are unsure of when your bins will be collected, please see the online bin collection dates postcode finder.


household waste bin - grey binDisposing of personal waste if you think you have COVID-19 or if you are self-isolating

Store personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths in disposable rubbish bags. Place these bags into another bag, tie securely and keep them separate from other waste. Put these aside for at least 72 hours before putting them in your usual external household waste bin. In Walsall this is usually your grey bin. Never put this type of waste in your green recycling bin. If you live in a flat with shared communal bins do not put your waste into any communal areas until it is at least 72 hours old. Dispose of other household waste as usual.

To keep up to date with information about Walsall household waste recycling centres and collections, please follow Walsall Council Clean and Green Services on Twitter @CleanGreenTweet or on the Walsall Bins and Things Facebook page. 

Schools open for children of critical workers and vulnerable children

In line with government guidance, during the national lockdown colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools will remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers only. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. For more information, please see the government guidance or contact your school or college for advice. 

   HM Government: Stay at home: All primary and secondary schools and colleges will move to remote provision. Children of key workers and vulnerable children can still attend school and colleges. Early years, nurseries, alternative provision and special schools will remain open. We will work with Ofqual to consult on putting in place alternative arrangements for this summer's exams.

HM Government, NHS: One on One. You can meet up with a friend but you must keep 2m apart. Public outdoor areas — Walsall parks and green spaces 
While parks, green spaces and children’s playgrounds across the borough are permitted to remain open during national lockdown for daily exercise, outdoor gyms and tennis courts are required to close. The Arboretum Café is open for take away only, and the public toilets at the Arboretum also remain open. All other public toilets in borough parks and green spaces are closed. Under national lockdown restrictions you are permitted to leave your home to exercise in a public park or green space once a day only either on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

Swimming pool Walsall leisure centres remain closed 
Walsall leisure centres remain closed until further notice. Customers are assured that all payments will be stopped immediately and any sessions already paid for will be credited or refunded. All direct debits and swim lesson payments will be frozen and prepaid annual memberships will be extended for the period of closure. For further information and updates, please see our website.   

Walsall markets 
All Walsall markets are closed until further notice. The markets team can be contacted via email at marketsadmin@walsall.gov.uk

New Art Gallery WalsallMuseums, galleries and entertainment venues
The New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall Leather Museum and Walsall Arena and Arts Centre remain closed to the public until further notice.

Walsall libraries
All Walsall libraries remain closed until further notice, including the Mobile Library and the Lichfield Street Hub. Most libraries continue to provide some online and home delivery services, please see the update in the previous edition of this newsletter (31 December 2020).

Births, deaths and marriages in Walsall
During national lockdown, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies can still take place with up to six people only—this number includes the couple who are marrying— subject to social distancing and approved room capacity at venues. Under government guidelines, post-ceremony receptions cannot take place. For more information about marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, British citizenship, registering a birth or a death, or attending a funeral in Walsall please see our website

National restrictions now in place 

Following the government announcement on 4 January 2021, national lockdown is now in place until further notice.

  • You must not leave, or be outside of your home except to shop for food, for work, for medical reasons or to avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
  • You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).
  • You may leave the home to exercise once a day in a public outdoor place on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
  • Do not travel unless necessary, such as for work or education purposes. If you need to travel you should stay local—avoiding travelling outside of your village or town—and look to reduce the number of journeys you make.
  • You must work from home if you can.
  • Hospitality is closed with the exception of providing takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery.
  • Non-essential retail and personal care services (hairdressers, barbers, salons) are closed
  • Places of worship are open for services only but you must not interact with any person outside your household or support bubble.
For further information, please see the Walsall Newsroom

     HM Government, NHS: England lockdown: Stay at home. The new strain of coronavirus is spreading fast. We all need to do our part to stop the spread (Table of restrictions. Please see www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home)


NHS: You cannot catch coronavirus from the COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19 vaccination information 
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against the virus. The NHS is responsible for the vaccine rollout and Walsall Council is supporting local NHS services to deliver it to as many Walsall residents and priority groups as quickly as possible. 
You will be contacted by the NHS or your GP surgery when it is your time to receive the vaccine. If you're not registered with a GP, you will need to register.
You must have an appointment to receive the vaccine. You cannot just turn up at one of the local vaccination sites. Find out more from the NHS about the COVID-19 vaccination. Read the latest advice on priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination


HM Government, NHS: Coronavirus guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable Protecting people more at risk from COVID-19
If you are clinically vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 The safest option is to stay home. The government is sending COVID-19 advice letters to clinically extremely vulnerable people. This letter is to let you know about the new guidance that will be in place for clinically extremely vulnerable people. Read the guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.


Open sign. If you are concerned a business or venue is not following COVID-19 guidelines 
The council's environmental health team is working hard to support local businesses and ensure government guidelines are being adhered to. If you are concerned that a business or venue in Walsall is not following government COVID-19 regulations, you can report this information to the team online by completing a short form. We encourage you to leave contact details as it is often very useful for our enforcement officers to be able to clarify your information so that they can can deal with your concerns effectively. Please be assured that your contact details will be kept strictly confidential. 
The online reporting form is to report local businesses or venues within the borough of Walsall only. If you would like to report an issue of individuals and groups of people not complying with COVID-19 instructions, please contact West Midlands Police using the reporting breach of restrictions form or by calling 101. 


HM Government, NHS: Coronavirus: Think of others when shopping. Keep safe while shopping during COVID-19
Under the new national restrictions only essential shops are allowed to remain open. Coming into contact with someone infected with COVID-19—or passing it on if you are infected but do not have symptoms— is the main risk when you are out shopping. It is important to:

  • wear a face covering unless you have a valid exemption  
  • follow good hygiene practices—these include using hand sanitiser provided on entering a shop and wiping down trolleys and basket handles 
  • practice social distancing—stay 2 metres away from anyone who you do not live with, this includes when queuing to get in the shop
  • try to touch as few things as possible and do not linger for too long in the aisles—especially busy ones— and if the shop is busy consider returning at a quieter time
  • plan ahead so you don’t have to go to the shops very often and shop alone if possible – the fewer people potentially exposed, the better
  • use contactless payment so you can avoid touching card machines or cash 
  • when you get home, you should give your hands a good wash before you unpack the shopping.

For more information, please see our website. 


Walsall Council online meeting opening screen. Local Outbreak Engagement Board
The next Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting will be held on Tuesday 19 January 2021 at 4.00pm. Members of the public can ask the Local Outbreak Engagement Board questions which are within its remit for consideration and questions must be submitted at least two working days before the meeting so that a reply can be prepared. Questions for consideration at the next meeting of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board must be submitted by Friday 15 January. For more information and to submit a question, please visit our website.


Sign at Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy buildingBusiness grants 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the council has been supporting businesses across the borough by distributing government grants. The council is currently accepting a range of applications from Walsall businesses for grant payments. As the government makes any further announcements about new grants we will provide the information on our website when details are made available to us. For further information and updates, please see our website.


NHS 111 - Help us Help YouHelp the NHS help you
The NHS is there to help you, but at this busy time please make sure you go to the right place so you get the treatment you need. NHS 111 provides you with a convenient way to get the right care, from the right person, as quickly as possible. You can access the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone and online and, if necessary, they can arrange for you to speak to relevant healthcare professionals, including nurses, emergency dentists, or even GPs. So, if you think you need medical help, you can now call 111 or go online at 111.nhs.uk and keep 999 and A & E for emergencies. 

Visit the Walsall Council Newsroom
More updates from Walsall Council

Overlooking Walsall Council House tower and cityscapeKeep up to date with all Walsall Council news

Thank you for your interest in the COVID-19 News from Walsall Council newsletter for residents. You may be receiving this email newsletter due to current permission by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for councils to use existing mailing lists to send important COVID-19 information to residents. When the emergency is over, the ICO will remove this permission and normal GDPR requirements will apply. This means that anyone who does not sign up or ‘opt in’ to receive communications from Walsall Council will no longer receive our communications after that time. If you would like to continue to receive news, updates and information about council services, facilities and events when this newsletter closes, please sign up to the Walsall Council Newsletter now.

Sign up to the Walsall Council Newsletter

Contact Walsall Council 
For bins and waste enquiries: Clean and Green Services
For support for vulnerable residents: Making Connections Walsall
For business support enquiries: Walsall Business Support
For business compliance concerns during COVID-19: Environmental Health team
For council tax enquiries: Walsall Council Tax team

 

Walsall Public Health COVID-19 helpline
walsall.healthprotection@nhs.net or phone 01922 65 8065.
Phone line open 8am–8pm 7 days.


For all latest national COVID-19 guidance, please visit GOV.UK or click on the images below. Guidance correct at 6 January 2021.

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. To help stop the spread of the virus, act like you have it and keep washing your hands, covering your face and making space. Keep up to date with the latest guidance.
     HM Government, NHS: Act like you've got it. You don't need symptoms to have coranvirus Hands. Face. Space.


Staying at home is vitally important to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our community, particularly to people who could become very sick if they catch the virus. You need to self-isolate if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, if you or someone in your household are waiting for a test result, if you or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, or if you’re notified by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app that you could be at risk of having COVID-19 because you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the virus. Read the guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection
       HM Government, NHS: Got Symptoms or tested positive for coronavirus? You must self-isolate for 10 days. 


If you have COVID symptoms, stay at home and book a test immediately. Once you have had your test, you must self-isolate until you have received your results to protect those around you as much as possible. If you receive a positive COVID test result you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.
     HM Government, NHS: Get Tested.


There is a lot of false information out there about COVID-19 and the new vaccines designed to tackle it. It’s not always easy to spot, so use the SHARE checklist to make sure that you are not contributing to the spread of harmful content. 
     HM Government: Stop the spread of false information about coronavirus and help save lives.  


 This newsletter is produced by Walsall Council Corporate Communications.
If you were not sent this email directly from Walsall Council and you would like to receive Walsall Council email news updates, please subscribe to our mailing list.  
Back to top
Follow Walsall Council on Twitter Follow Walsall Council on Twitter
Follow Walsall Council on Facebook Follow Walsall Council on Facebook
For more information and updates, please visit the Walsall Council website. For more information and updates, please visit the Walsall Council website.
Copyright © 2021 Walsall Council, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
Back to top
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp