CHANGES TO RULES FOR SOCIALISING
Most of you will be aware of the new restrictions in place from Monday, prohibiting more than six people from meeting socially. This applies to both indoor and outdoor meetings, and includes family members from different households. It does not include people in one "support bubble." The new rules do not apply to education setting, workplaces or participation in some sports.
You can see more detail on the new rules here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
The rules on socialising have been tightened again because our R rate has crept above 1 again, and cases are now rising rapidly. This is especially concerning as we have not yet seen the influence of schools reopening and students returning to their universities, which are likely to cause further rises.
In addition to adhering to the new rules, we all need to maintain our commitment to handwashing, social distance and wearing masks in indoor public places at all times. With winter just around the corner it is vital that we get our transmission rate back under control.
LOCAL BUSINESS VISITS: RICHMOND'S TIDE TABLES CAFE
During my local business visits last week, I visited Tide Tables Cafe near Richmond Bridge. The team took me through their ideas for making their outdoor seating area usable twelve months of the year. This is one of many innovative ideas that show how local business are thinking differently to keep their businesses trading with the challenge of Covid-19. If you're heading down to the river and in need of some food and drink, do pop in and give them a visit.
RICHMOND NEWS
LATEST COVID-19 FIGURES RELEASED
Cllr Gareth Roberts gave residents a video update on the latest figures for Richmond upon Thames, asking everyone to follow the guidelines, wash their hands regularly, wear a face covering when on public transport or in shops and maintain social distancing, so we can keep the borough safe. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwKZlV91ls&feature=youtu.be
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
Richmond Council has posted a page on their websitewith useful advice and links for any residents suffering from poor mental health. Please read Cllr Piers Allen's thoughts and look at the resources available here: www.richmond.gov.uk/council/news/comment_spot/comment_spot_archive/comment_spot_2020/preventing_suicide_and_reducing_harm_a_universal_challenge_a_local_community_based_plan
KINGSTON NEWS
LOW TRAFFIC NEIGHBORHOOD TRIALS
Two Low Traffic Neighbourhood trials are now under way in Kingston Town. Temporary measures have been installed on Albert Road and Lower Ham Road to tackle through-traffic and maximise space for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Similar measures will be introduced next week on King Charles Road in Surbiton. They will also play a vital role in improving air quality, delivering safer roads and promoting active travel as we work towards becoming a cleaner, greener Kingston. Read more here. Or Share your feedback on the schemes here.
EXTENSION OF SCHOOL STREETS TRIAL
School Streets close the roads outside schools to motor traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a pedestrian and cycle-only zone. Kingston will be extending school streeets trials for:
St Paul’s Primary School on Alexandra Road Alexandra Primary School on Princes Road, in North Kingston Castle Hill Primary School on Buckland Road in Chessington
'Pedestrian and Cycle Zone' signs will be in place and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be installed in the coming weeks to enable enforcement of the restrictions.
More details can be found here: https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/8zWgC81Q5CDX15EFQ_RWM?domain=kingston.us2.list-manage.com