Richmond and Kingston Covid-19 Update: April 27
The Prime Minister returned to Number 10 following his convalescence from the Coronavirus today. In a statement from Downing Street he told the nation that there are "real signs now that we are passing through the peak" and thanked the public for their forbearance. In response to many calls to start relaxing the restrictions, however, he said that this was the "moment of maximum risk" and that the lockdown needs to continue in its current form for a while longer to manage the risk of a second peak that could overwhelm the NHS.
I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to greater transparency around the decisions that the government is making. So far, there has been an unprecedented degree of support and compliance for the lockdown measures, but to keep that going in the longer term, I think the public need to keep understanding why we're being asked to do it.
POST OFFICE CLOSURES
I was alarmed to receive notice from the Post Office on Friday, about closures throughout the constituency, and asked them for more information. I am happy to be able to report back as follows:
The Triangle KT1 3RU - The Triangle is now open 10-5 Monday to Friday and 10 – 1 Saturday.
Tudor Drive KT2 5QG – The branch closed after staff were forced to self-isolate as they had a confirmed case. The Area Team are continuing to try to contact the branch to establish when they are likely to reopen.
Castlenau SW13 9ER – Unfortunately, staff in this branch are all in the high-risk group vulnerable to the disease and are now self-isolating as a precaution. The Postmaster is currently attempting to recruit new staff but the branch will remain closed until new staff can be appointed temporarily.
Mortlake High Street SW14 8HR – This branch is now back open from 11am to 1pm Monday to Friday.
Kew Gardens TW9 3QD – The Postmaster is, unfortunately, in the high risk group vulnerable to the disease and has been forced to self-isolate as a precaution. We have no further information as to when this branch is likely to reopen.
Post Offices are an important part of the community, and I will be working hard to ensure these essential shops are open as soon and as safely as possible.
RICHMOND NEWS
LIVE CHAT WITH COUNCIL LEADER GARETH ROBERTS
Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts has asked me to let Richmond residents know that he will be taking questions from the public next week regarding the Council’s response to Covid-19. This live virtual chat with residents will take place on Saturday 2 May from 12:00-1:00pm via the Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lbrut . Cllr Roberts will providing information and answering questions on areas such as the new Community Hub, changes to local service provision and what residents and businesses can do to help. If you are unable to take part, you can submit your questions in advance to: events@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Gareth Roberts says: “In these unprecedented times, it’s essential that we try new ways of reaching our residents and enabling them to ask questions and raise concerns about the borough’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus. This is a great opportunity for us to get direct feedback from residents about how the lockdown is affecting them, their families and neighbours.”