Published: Monday 25 January 2021
Figures from last month showed a spike in the number of Coronavirus infections in North West London, with parts of South Brent, North Kensington and North Westminster the displaying some of the highest case rates in London.
Cases rates across the borough has started to reduce but are still higher in Golborne, Dalgarno and Notting Dale wards with St Helen’s and Colville not far behind.
The increase in this area was being attributed to residents not wearing face coverings in communal areas of blocks of flats and different households sharing lifts, young people gathering and playing football at the Westway on pitches that have been closed and people not adhering to social distancing or mask wearing in and around Ladbroke Grove transport hub and nearby supermarkets.
The Council has written to residents in this area to remind them to be vigilant within housing settings and to ensure they’re protecting themselves and other residents when moving around their buildings. Improved signage has also being produced so residents are clear on how to use the lifts safely.
Our supermarkets have been a lifeline for many during this pandemic and it is so important we protect our hardworking key workers and keep them safe. Please do shop alone if you can, continue to wear a face covering when shopping in supermarkets or when queueing - it’s vital for your safety and the safety of the staff.
Our Community Safety Wardens, together with the police are visiting supermarkets and public spaces to offer advice and to check that people are wearing face coverings and adhering to social distancing. You could be fined if you’re found to be flouting the rules.
We are also working with local youth organisations and providers. Teams are in the area talking to those who they see not sticking to the guidelines. We know that many young people feel this virus won’t affect them but this NHS are reporting that more and more younger adults are being admitted to hospital with Coronavirus.
Lots of our residents are unable to work from home as they are delivering vital services so we are offering Community Testing for those without symptoms. We advise that key workers and those who are unable to work from home get tested regularly.
There are three testing sites for those without symptoms across the borough and there’s no need to book:
Kensington Leisure Centre, Silchester Road, W10 6EX
From 10am to 4pm seven days a week.
Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX
8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm at weekends.
Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, SW3 5EE
From 10am to 4pm seven days a week
If you do have symptoms remember you must stay at home unless absolutely essential but you are able to leave your home for medical reasons and get a PCR test at one of our other testing sites. The nearest site in North Kensington is at 2 to 4 Malton Road, W10 5UP. It is just by Ladbroke Grove station and is open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm. It is a walk-in centre so please ensure you socially distance or wear a face covering on the way to get a test. You must book in advance online or by calling 119.
There are also testing centres open on various days each week at Kensington Olympia and Royal Hospital. You will need to book online or call 119 in advance to use these, they are drive-in centres, so you will need to use your car.
If you need help or support from the Council or Kensington and Chelsea voluntary organisations, please contact the Covid-19 Hub, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm and Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm by calling 020 7361 4326 or emailing [email protected]