Update about Coronavirus (Covid-19): #ClapForCarers at 8pm including our council staff who are keeping Newham going in the face of this deadly virus. #ThankYouThursday - From Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz
Dear Newham Resident,
Across our borough this evening, members of our Christian community in Newham will be marking Maundy Thursday, a biblical event when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples during the Last Supper as a demonstration of his humility and the importance of always treating each other as equals. Our Jewish residents will be marking the second night of Pesach, or Passover, where Seder is conducted to recount the 10 plagues from the Book of Exodus and to remember how God delivered the Jewish people from slavery.
Ordinarily, our faith communities would be coming together on important religious days with friends, family and loved ones, but such communal gatherings have been cancelled. The reason for this year’s changes are the social distancing and travel restrictions that have been put in place to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Tonight, I’ll also be joining thousands of Newham residents this #ThankyouThursday to #ClapForOurCarers, on the day when deaths from Covid-19 have risen by 881 people in the UK increasing the number of those that have died to 7,978.
As well as clapping for our frontline NHS workers and carers, I’ll be clapping for all those essential Council staff who have been keeping our borough going through this lockdown period. I’ll be clapping for all the volunteers from across our communities, faith groups and voluntary sector; and clapping for everyone involved in our eight #HelpNewham hubs to provide essential food supplies to our most vulnerable.
Over eight days council staff, seconded from their normal day jobs, plus an army of volunteers have delivered 1,500 food and supplies packages to elderly residents, and those with medical conditions; and these heroes are also supporting families. 4,000 of our families in Newham are receiving a package of supplies including nappies, wipes, and necessary toiletries.
I’ll also be applauding the Council’s housing team, who have been helping rough sleepers off the streets and into the safety of self-contained accommodation. They’ve also been working around the clock to support 472 Newham households living in temporary accommodation move into self-contained provision with facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. There’ll be more households that will be supported next week, as we’ve been giving priority to families with children under 18. But so far we’ve found 70 per cent a safer place to live during this time of crisis, in our efforts to keep everyone safe and slow the spread of the virus in Newham.
Right across the council, our staff and officers have been working flat out to keep the most essential services running. From our refuse workers who maintain public health and safety by emptying the bins, to social workers and care workers who continue to go out into the community to support our most vulnerable, to teachers who are working with the children of key workers.
These are a testament to all the heroic efforts going on in the spirit of public service. That’s why I hope as many of you will join me tonight at 8pm, from your window or on your balcony or doorstep to #ClapForOurCarers very, very loudly.
Please continue to stay safe and #StayAtHome this Easter Bank Holiday.