Corona Virus Bulletin for Residents

Following the news that most of Europe is facing a Corona virus pandemic, the advice from the UK Government is for people to focus on personal hygiene, to self-isolate if you are showing any symptoms, and to avoid unnecessary travel and contact with others. 

Wellington Mills takes the health of our employees and residents extremely seriously, so as part of our plans to keep all safe, and to limit the effects of the Corona virus disruptions, as well as providing a public service, we have put in place the following actions. 

As a responsible Organisation, Wellington Mills will be following the advice of the UK Government and will be making changes to the way we deliver our services.

Office Staff

Our staff are committed to coming into work as usual, but if infected or show any symptoms, they must self-isolate. This is to protect other staff members and residents, and means that our services may be affected. 

Please also reconsider the need to visit the office and either phone or send an email instead. (wellingtonmills@lambeth.gov.uk)

Please also inform us if you or someone you’ve been in contact with, are showing any symptoms. This will affect the way we deal with queries as our staff and contractors might not be able to come into your home if you feel unwell or are self-isolating. 

All future Management Committee meetings and General Meetings are cancelled until government advice suggests otherwise.

The MC will be dealing with estate issues via email and setting up conference calling.

Estate Cleaning

The Estate Cleaning service will not be affected at this time and will continue as normal, albeit a more stringent regime will begin. Door handles. lifts and all ‘Touch Areas’ will be sterilized and wiped down as frequently as possible. 

Residents can however help by;

· Using the facilities and Bin shutes provided

· Disposing of your waste rationally

· Having consideration for the Cleaner and your neighbours

· Reducing Bulk Rubbish and do not fly tip

· Reporting all issues to the Office by phone or email promptly

Vulnerable Residents

We appreciate that many of our residents are vulnerable, elderly or both, and may require support during this period. We are therefore putting in place a system, whereby we will be routinely checking up on residents who fit this profile, to ascertain if they require advice or practical support. 

Please ensure you check on your neighbours whilst remaining safe. 

If you have concerns about your neighbour, please contact the office during working hours, or dial 111 during out of hours. 

We are also putting together a list of volunteers so if you wish to volunteer and support the Co-op’s welfare system, please let us know. 

Welfare Benefits

Rents and Service Charges remain payable in the usual methods, however If you have a change of financial circumstances due to the pandemic, please find below some useful telephone numbers;

Council Tax Department - 0345 302 2312

Universal Credit - 0800 328 5644

DWP  - 0800 731 7898

For more advice and information on the Corona virus, please visit:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

The Co-op will continue to provide updates on this topic as the advice changes, but please contact us if you have any concerns or queries. 

How to access COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing

1. Who can get a test – you can get a test:

    a. For yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new,            continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

    b. For someone in your household if they have symptoms 

2. When to get a test – do not wait. You need to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.

   a. Go online https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-testOr call 119. Both channels will present opportunities for testing through the O2 drive-thru site at North Greenwich, mobile testing units within and outside the borough, and home testing which allows test kits to be posted to you. If you opt for home testing, you may need support with swabbing if you cannot self-swab. 

   b. Currently, a mobile testing unit operates every 3 days in Lambeth. You can walk or cycle to this testing unit. This mobile testing unit is based at: Angela Davis Industrial Estate, Somerleyton Road, London SW9 8ND. The schedule for August is: Sunday 9th August; Wednesday 12th; Saturday 15th; Tuesday 18th; Friday 21st; Monday 24th; Thursday 27th; Sunday 30th. Go online or call 119 to book a test at this local mobile testing unit. 

    c. Test centres in neighbouring boroughs may be closer depending on the resident’s location. All can be accessed online.

Information on how to access a test in different languages

Information on how to access a test is available in 60 different languages at these websites: 

https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-resources-and-services-your-language https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/ 

3. If you are having difficulty accessing a test for any reason or need support self isolating, please contact call 0333 360 3700 or email mycommunity@ageuklambeth.org ​

4. Getting your test result – most people get their test results the day after taking the test. Some results might take longer, but you should get them in 72 hours. If you do not get your result, call the coronavirus testing contact centre on 119. The contact centre is open from 7am to 11pm.