Daily Coronavirus Bulletin

National Lockdowns - Easing continues with all shops and outdoor hospitality spaces now able to open in England. Similar easing continues in the devolved administrations.

Haig Housing is operating fully but with some service restrictions

Daily Bulletin for Monday 19th April 2021

MESSAGE BY TIM STOCKINGS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Government has announced a four-step plan in England to cautiously ease the current lockdown restrictions, with similar plans from the devolved administrations. With the arrival of the third step in England on 12th April, restrictions are further eased, with the opening of hospitality outdoor spaces such as pub gardens and non-essential shops. These steps aim to provide a route back to a more normal way of life. Each step will be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease. The first step on 8 March saw the return of schools; the second on 29 March permits people to meet outside including in private gardens; outdoor sports facilities were able to reopen and formally organised outdoor sport restart. Weddings can take place, now with an increased attendance of 15 people. The decision on each stage will be based on data and not dates, and the Government has stated its intention to move cautiously to keep infection rates under control. The Government also re-evaluated recently those who are deemed clinically.extremely vulnerable and who should shield; this restriction was lifted on 1st April. Further details about the four-step plan can be found here and below. For separate plans for the devolved administrations, see advice links under the respective national administration below.

The coronavirus epidemic and the new more infectious variants of the virus will have a significant impact on our lives and how the Trust operates until the full benefits of the mass vaccination programme can be realised; these are already becoming apparent with infection and mortality rates declining significantly and we expect things will continue to get better. However, Haig Housing’s Headquarters Office in Morden will remain closed for the time being, with all essential work being met by homeworking. While we continue to operate this reduced service, we will nevertheless work hard to ensure that our services remain as close to normal as safely possible.

However, with an emphasis on personal safety, some things will remain different while all administrations plot this cautious route out of the current lockdown and its restrictions. We will therefore continue to be informed by Government guidelines including those from the devolved administrations.

2020 was a particularly challenging year for all of us and the arrival of the more infectious variants of the virus have by necessity placed further restrictions during the winter period which itself always brings more health challenges. While 2021 will still be a hugely different year, the success to date of the vaccine roll-out programme provides genuine light at the end of the tunnel.

Nevertheless, we must continue to follow the phased easing of lockdown restrictions. Using that same sense of mutual responsibility that we remember from when we were in the military, I ask you all please to follow closely Government guidance and guidance so we can come through this together.

KEY POINTS TO NOTE

Alban Dobson House, Morden

  • Alban Dobson House is operating on skeleton staff with most working from home. Please contact us by phone on 020 8685 5777 or by email to enquiries@haighousing.org.uk if you have any questions. A full out of hours repairs service continues to operate but this will be prioritised to emergency and urgent repairs.

    • Rent

  • We ask that you continue to make your rent payments so that we can continue our efforts to help our beneficiaries through these challenging times and to maintain your homes.
  • If you have difficulty in paying you should confirm that you have applied for all the Government assistance that is available, noting that furlough and other payment support has been extended. When we emerge from the pandemic and more people can return to full-time working you should note that this support is likely to come to an end. If you have any concerns over meeting your rent you should contact our Income team without delay on 020 8685 5777, choosing Option 2, so we can offer you help, assistance and advice.

  • Whenever the Trust issues you with a rent increase notice, please remember to contact your bank or building society to increase any Standing Order you have in place for payment else you may go into arrears.

    • Universal Credit

    • PLEASE do not forget that if your rent has increased and you claim Universal Credit or Local Housing Allowance you must inform them of this change in your circumstances via your online journal or direct to your local authority respectively. Benefits will normally only backdate for 1 month, so it is important to action this quickly. Failure to do this may result in you going into arrears. This change will also need to be evidenced so if you need a copy of your rent increase notice, you should contact the Trust.
    • You can inform Universal Credit of a change to your rent from the Trust as follows:
    1. Log into your Universal Credit journal online.
    2. Chose, ‘Report a change of circumstance’.
    3. Chose where you live and what it costs.
    4. Click the button, ‘Something else’ - which shows your current charges.
    5. Click the green change button and enter your new figures and the date these changed.
    6. Save and exit.
    7. If you have any difficulties, please contact Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644.
    • If you are applying locally for Universal Credit, please note that Haig Housing Trust is a PRIVATE LANDLORD and not a Housing Association.

    Repairs and Maintenance

    • Please report all repairs by telephone to 020 8685 5777, choosing Option 1 or by email to enquiries@haighousing.org.uk. Calls will take longer to answer; please be patient as we will get to all calls in turn. Emergency and Urgent repairs will be prioritised with others undertaken on a case by case basis.
    • We will always respond in an emergency.
    • Our out of hours service remains available fully for emergency or very urgent repairs only but please listen carefully to any pre-recorded messages.

    Estate Visits

    • Estate visits by Housing Managers are generally suspended and will only be resumed when lockdown restrictions are eased. When and where they are possible, they will only be conducted on the door-step, observing safe distancing. Indoor visits will only resume once lockdown or other tier restrictions permit. These may vary in the devolved administrations.
    • All Haig Staff will maintain 2 metre social distancing and wear face coverings; we ask you to take the same precautions.
    • We will inform you when stock survey visits recommence.

    New Beneficiaries

    • Sign up of new beneficiaries will be assessed on a case by case basis while lockdown and tier restrictions remain in force.

    Car Permits

    • The extension has now come to an end. Car parking information for 2021 should have been been given. Please contact your housing manager for further information.
    • YOU SHOULD NOTE THAT NORMAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT CONTINUES.

    Please check back to this website regularly for updates.

    OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

    If you self-isolate

    If you self-isolate after being instructed to do so or are following Government guidelines then please inform us without delay by telephone or email so that we can advise any contractor who may need to visit you.

    USEFUL DOCUMENTS

    General Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance - English

    General Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance – नेपाली Nepalese

    USEFUL LINKS

    PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE MUCH OF THE ADVICE BELOW APPLIES TO ALL, SOME IS SPECIFIC TO ENGLAND ONLY. THEREFORE IF YOU LIVE IN SCOTLAND, WALES, NORTHERN IRELAND OR JERSEY PLEASE ALSO CHECK THE SPECIFIC ADVICE GIVEN IN THE NATIONAL SECTIONS BELOW.

    Coronavirus - Government/NHS

    Government - Four step plan to ease lockdown restrictions in England: here

    Government - National Lockdown - Stay at Home. See here

    Government - Full list of local restriction tiers by area from Sunday 31 December 2020: here

    Government guidance for those who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive: here

    Government guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection: here

    Government advice on support for businesses incl for the self employed: here

    Government winter campaign to manage coronavirus - Hand. Face. Space: here

    Government legal requirement for all venues to now record contact details: here

    Government advice on face coverings in education: here

    Government advice on new payments for people self-isolating in highest risk areas: here

    Government guidance on getting tested for Coronavirus: click here

    Government advice on Coronavirus: click here

    Government guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing: click here

    Government advice on Coronavirus and domestic abuse: click here

    NHS advice on Test and Trace: here

    NHS advice on Coronavirus: click here

    Public Health England: A simple guide to staying at home: click here

    Every Mind Matters - Looking after your mental health at home: click here

    Income Support Self-Employed

    Government self-employment Income Support Scheme: click here

    Extremely Vulnerable People

    Government guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19: click here

    Get Coronavirus support as an extremely vulnerable person: click here

    Schools

    Online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home: click here

    Voucher scheme for schools to provide free school meals: click here

    Veterans Support

    Veterans UK open for business but with some changes: click here

    Veterans Gateway - Help if you have been affected by Covid-19: click here

    Volunteering

    To volunteer for the NHS: click here

    Scotland

    Latest Scottish Government advice: click here

    Coronavirus Strategic Framework Update 23 February: here

    Ready Scotland - How to get and give help: click here

    Wales

    Welsh Government - general advice and information: click here

    Welsh Government - how to protect yourself and others: click here

    Northern Ireland

    NIDirect information: click here

    Northern Ireland Public Health Agency advice and information: click here

    Jersey

    Jersey Government - General advice: click here

    Jersey Government - health advice and information: click here

    Miscellaneous

    Obtain an NHS Isolation Note (in lieu of a GP Fitness to Work Note) for your employer: click here

    MOTs due from 30 March 2020 - 6 month extension: click here

    Driving licences expiring between 1 February and 31 August 2020 extended by 7 months: click here

    USEFUL HELPLINES

    Childline (www.childine.org.uk) offers support to children or young persons where domestic abuse is happening in the home or within a relationship and is free to call on 0800 1111

    Forcesline (www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/forcesline) for serving personnel, Veterans and their families 0800 731 4880 (Mon to Fri 10.30am-7.30pm)

    Galop (www.galop.org.uk) provides an LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline and is free to call on 0800 999 5428

    Hour Glass (www.wearehourglass.org) challenges the abuse of older people in all its forms and is free to call on 0808 808 8141

    Karma Nirvana (www.karmanirvana.org.uk) supports victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage and is free to call on 0800 5999 247 (Mon to Fri 9am–5pm)

    Men’s Advice Line (www.mensadviceline.org.uk) is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and those supporting them and is free to call on 0808 801 0327

    National Domestic Abuse 24/7 helpline, which offers support to victims and people affected by domestic abuse, is free to call on 0808 2000 247

    NHS 111 (www.111.nhs.uk) to access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency call 111 or in Wales 0845 4647.

    Samaritans (www.smaritans.org) provides 24/7 confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicide thoughts 116 123

    Shout (www.giveusashout.org) is a crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258

    The Respect Phoneline (www.respectphoneline.org.uk) provides confidential advice and support to help perpetrators stop being violent and abusive and is free to call 0808 802 4040

    Togetherall (www.togetherall.com/en-gb) is a safe 24/7 online service supporting your mental health in terms of anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.

    Veterans Gateway (www.veteransgateway.org.uk) 24/7 first point of contact for Veterans seeking support, from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more. 0800 802 1212

    Victim Support National 24/7 Supportline (www.victimsupport.org.uk) 08 08 16 89 111

    RAPID FLOW TESTS

    Rapid flow tests are provided free by the Government, to be used if: you do not have coronavirus symptoms, you live in England, are 18 or older, have not been told to self-isolate or you cannot get tests from your work, school, college or university (ask them for rapid lateral flow tests). The test are available from: