CORONAVIRUS
Leader’s
introduction
“‘I am asking people, pleading
with people, to stay at home.”
Councillor Julian Bell
Leader of the council
I
have been deeply
saddened by the
news that people
from our borough
have died because
of the coronavirus (or
COVID-19). My sincere
condolences go out to
their family and friends.
I am asking people, pleading with
people, to stay at home. If people do
not do this, more people will die; and we
will put our NHS staff under intolerable
pressure.
There really is no need to go outside unless
you are a key worker; or unless you need to
go to the shops for vital food and supplies or
Play areas and other facilities have been closed
as a volunteer helping the vulnerable. One bit
of exercise per day is also permitted outdoors
you to use your own gardens if you have
on your own or in groups of no more than two
them and try to stay at home but, if you feel
people – but I will say more on this later.
you need to go out, then
It is a sobering
follow the social distancing
thought, but guidelines
‘Ealing’s community
guidelines, act responsibly
on registering a death
and do not do anything
have had to change
is our greatest
that would cause this
because of COVID-19
strength. I have seen virus to spread. Our park
and requirements on
loved ones to self-isolate.
local people quickly rangers and Parkguard
services will be on the look-
Details are available on
and instinctively
out to make sure this is the
the council’s website.
case in our parks. At the
come together’
KEEPING YOUR
time of writing this, we had
DISTANCE
not closed our parks and I
Unfortunately, we cannot stop the virus from
hope this remains the case – but if people do
spreading entirely and, for most people,
not act responsibly, we may have to.
this is a mild illness – although not always.
COUNCIL SERVICES
However, for older people or those with pre-
Other council services including
existing conditions it can be serious or even
libraries, leisure centres and community
fatal. We can all play our part in delaying the
centres have also been temporarily closed
spread and limiting the impact on the elderly
to stop the spread of the virus.
and other vulnerable groups by following
Our priority remains to care for our elderly
the national advice on social distancing and
and vulnerable residents. We have robust
self-isolating.
contingency plans in place to ensure we can
To make sure that people are following the
continue to deliver these vital services over the
social distancing guidelines, the council
coming months.
decided it had to close our play areas, close
our outside gyms, close our tennis courts,
COMING TOGETHER TO HELP
and our skate parks.
EACH OTHER
We recognise that being outside and
This will be a testing time, but Ealing’s
in green space is vital to our physical and
community is our greatest strength and it will
mental well-being. Preferably, I would ask
2
around ealing Coronavirus
be invaluable in the weeks ahead. I have seen
local people quickly and instinctively come
together to support those who may need help.
To provide a central point and a focus for
this tremendous community spirit, Ealing
Together was created. It is a new coalition
of the council, charities, local groups,
businesses and residents. It provides a place
to volunteer and offer support – and also to
request help. You can read more on pages
four and five of this magazine.
Even if you cannot offer help in a wider
sense, I ask everyone to reach out to any
vulnerable or elderly neighbours, who might
need help.
As you may have already seen, the council
set up a £1.5million COVID-19 Emergency
Fund to aid essential community services
across the borough (see page five) and it is
now operational.
Meanwhile, key workers, including NHS staff,
will be able to park their cars for free during
the emergency (see page seven).
STAY UP TO DATE
In closing, I urge you to see the
back page of this
magazine to find
out ways to get the
latest information
from the council
during the crisis.