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25 March 2020
Due to the evolving situation, we have postponed our resident newsletter, and will instead be sending regular updates and information about what the council is doing and how to stay safe in these challenging times. For updates and advice, please visit our website at www.kingston.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Message from the new Leader of Kingston Council

Councillor Caroline Kerr updates residents about COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Further information
Please follow instructions on social distancing
We want to reiterate how vital it is that residents follow Government instructions on social distancing.

You can only leave your home:
  • To shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to.
  • To do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with.
  • For any medical need – for example, to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person.
  • To travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary.
  • If you do go out, please stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people and wash your hands as soon as you get home. 
  • Anyone can spread the virus. The single most important action we can all take in fighting COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
Social distancing - full guidelines
Council service closures update
In order to help limit the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and ensure that staff are deployed to support critical areas, a number of services have revised opening times or will be closed for the foreseeable future.

Waste and recycling - Please continue to present your bins for collection as usual until further notice.

Parking services - We are enforcing safety critical related parking restrictions, for example causing an obstruction (as resources allow). We will keep these arrangements under review and amend them as required, it is anticipated these arrangements will be in place for at least three weeks.

Please consider key workers and volunteers when deciding where to park, particularly in areas where parking capacity is a premium. Please ensure you park sensibly and considerately, within bay markings, to maximise the available space for all residents and do not block access for other road users and pedestrians.

Find out which services are impacted
Shielding the vulnerable

The Government has shared new guidance on shielding and protecting the vulnerable.

You can follow this guidance below on how to help keep vulnerable people safe from COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Guidance on shielding the vulnerable
A big thank you to schools

Kingston Council and Achieving for Children (AfC) would like to say a huge thank you to all the borough's schools and nurseries, who have been excellent in their efforts, resilience and flexibility during this challenging time.

Latest schools information
A message to our providers

Ian Thomas, Chief Executive and Sarah Ireland, Director of Corporate and Communities share a message to all of our providers.

Watch the video
Help with paying your business rates

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your Business Rates please contact the Revenues & Benefits Team on 020 8547 5007.

We are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Lines are busy at the moment and your patience is appreciated but we do want to try and help you where we can.

Alternatively, you can email nndr@kingston.gov.uk

New guidance on non-essential business and retail
The Government has published updated guidance on non-essential businesses and retail that must close and how those staying open should operate.

This guidance provides a list of businesses that are permitted to stay open and the guidelines they should follow if they do.
 
Read the guidance
TfL updates and Sadiq Khan statement
TfL is operating a reduced underground service to keep things running for critical workers. Please do not travel unless your journey is absolutely essential.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a statement on Tube travel.
 
Latest TfL updates
Connected Kingston
For any help and advice on staying healthy visit www.connectedkingston.uk
Information from Government
Full, up to date Government information can be found online. 

You can also sign up for government updates on COVID-19.
Kingston Stronger Together logo
We have had more than 600 volunteers sign up to Kingston Stronger Together - thank you so much!

Find out more about how to support your neighbours and the vulnerable members of the community.
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