Our thoughts, hopes and prayers go out today, not only for the Prime Minister and his family, but also the tens of thousands of sufferers from this pandemic, their families in this country, across Europe and the millions, across the world. For all those who are suffering at the moment, both at home and in hospital, we wish them all a speedy recovery.
I, like many others born during, or just after World War II, have experienced something like this before, when no family remained unscathed by loss of a family member, but then as now, communities came together and supported each other.
At this time we all need to abide by the Social Distancing and exercise restrictions and do everything we can, to protect not only ourselves, but also each other. The fewer of us that get the virus, the less the workload for all our front line services. As a result, we need to express our gratitude, to all key workers.
These brave people include of course, all our NHS doctors and nurses, but also those making meals for patients, cleaning wards, porters in hospitals, the new 750,000 NHS volunteers who start today, ambulance drivers, first responders, doctors and staff in our local doctors surgeries, visiting nurses, health professionals, staff in retirement homes, the police, RBWM staff, still out their emptying our bins, cleaning and patrolling our streets, faith groups and the new volunteer groups and hubs. There are large numbers of other people and roles out there, people working to make our lives, as normal as possible. The least we can do to support them, is not to go out, unless it is absolutely necessary.
STAY AT HOME AND SAVE LIVES
I have had a brilliant response from you all – keep up the good work – and – keep well. Keep letting me know of services you are supplying, or just to say thank you, to someone who has helped you - that you may not even know - to ensure they know, they are valued and appreciated.
RE: reporting disregard for Social Distancing
Hi Jeff
I hope you don't mind me emailing, but can you confirm that if I see flagrant disregard for compliance with the current government restrictions that I should call 101?
I actually did that today, when I saw a group of people having a BBQ on the Brocas, but your message didn't seem to imply that was what I should do.
Cheryl
Cheryl – REPORT IT ON THE 101 NUMBER. The police will be dispatched immediately to offer – in the first instance – guidance and advice for the need to comply. Their details are recorded and if we receive further reports that they continue to behave in that way, fines in increasing amounts, will be issued !
NEXT: I put out a single number for Pandemic Assistance in Datchet. I have received this from David:
Hi
As requested, we are introducing our group of 150 volunteers set up in Datchet, to support the elderly, self isolating and vulnerable.
We currently supply support with shopping, urgent supplies, postal services & telephone support on our support line 01753 905247 where residents can get support, or just talk to a friendly voice
We have launched a new service this week, offering home cooked meals for NHS staff, Care workers and Emergency workers where they order a FREE meal at the end of their shift or all through each week.
We are currently working in conjunction with all the faith groups, medical centre, PCSO, RBWM Community Wardens and local authority (incl WAM) to manage and support the community in Datchet
We have delivered volunteer cards, to over 2,100 homes and currently support 5,000+ residents, throughout the coming weeks
David buckley
Co-Organiser
Datchet Corona Volunteers
Support line: 01753 905247
Order online: datchetcoronavolunteers.co.uk
Excellent – thank you David
NEXT: Before I continue with the message can I remind everyone about the Police Property Act Fund, which has been opened early by the Police Crime Commissioner.
Money is available for any community activity taking place as a result of the Pandemic, which enables the police to concentrate on their primary function. Dozens of you out there have set up emergency community groups to look after vulnerable residents. Please have a look at the PCC’s website, to see if you could get some financial support to assist you for the work you are doing.
https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/police-property-act-fund/The Criteria:
‘How is your organisation/ project / activity helping support the police, in delivering the response to the COVID-19 outbreak’ ? (max 300 words)’
It is a very simple form and if you need advice and support with your application, we have a professional bid writer – Nicola - who can assist you.
Nicola’s advice:
It’s great news that TV Police have released the PPA fund early. I’ve have had a few enquires for help to write applications to the fund - but many are not a good fit and there’s no point in applying, unless the project is strong.
Groups with the best chance, are those that have a project which supports Police effort that they can actually deliver during the Covid-19 emergency, once funding is released. This rules out a lot of great activity, but there are some wonderful community actions taking place which could do with extra support and could take the pressure off emergency services e.g. getting more supplies, advice and support out to vulnerable people in the next few weeks.
Nicola
SOME FEEDBACK:
Re PCSO David Bullock‘s illustrated story of PC Ben for young people on our Facebook Page last week
Hi
This was brilliant – please congratulate David – I forwarded it to our young grandchildren down in E.Sussex.
keep well
Duncan
If you didn’t see it, it is now on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMb9dbVCCQsNEXT: Please report any infractions of the restrictions re social distancing and people going out unnecessarily to us, on the 101 number. The restrictions are there to protect each one of us – and the NHS
Hi
I ventured out today, to buy a few essentials from the supermarket. Our trips out, are the absolute bare minimum, as we are a ‘shielding household’ ,for an extremely vulnerable family member.
The queue was very orderly, with everyone following the 2 meter rule and a shop assistant at the door, monitoring the one in one out system that is in place.
Part way through the queue, someone came out of a local coffee shop, which is close by and open for take-away. She started approaching people, going right up to them and giving out promotion/discount leaflets !
I stepped right back and said a firm no thank you, but others were taking them, as she approached and made her way, round the queue.
I found this surprising and was very alarmed by this behaviour, under the current circumstances.
Julie
Many thanks Julie for letting me know. I have arranged for a police visit to the coffee shop this morning. Please act responsibly – like Julie – and let us know about any infractions. We ask you to do this, to protect yourselves and others. We visit every referral and make contact with you, to say thank you – use the 101 number, or report online at the TVP website.
NEXT: I know we are all spending a lot of time prepring our gardens for the summer, as we are trapped at home, but we still do need to be considerate !
Hi
My neighbour, keeps having regular bonfires.
I have 3 children and when he has bonfires, we cannot go outside to use our garden, open our windows, or put washing on the line. My daughter, also has asthma.
It is selfish behaviour - are you able to contact him and politely ask him to pile his rubbish until he can get to the tip?
Sarah
Many thanks Sarah, I have passed this to your local Neighbourhood Team and the RBWM Community wardens. As I say – while we are confined – we need to be considerate. I will say, I have had quite a few emails re neighbours setting bonfires, preventing people from accessing their gardens, but also from those trapped in flats with no access to the outside, who cannot even open windows. Please be considerate. The recycling centres in RBWM I believe are now closed, but others in neighbouring areas are still open.
NEXT: Something I hadn’t thought about – but it is really relevant:
Hi
I was walking along Maidenhead High Street on my way to the supermarket, in the Precinct. About 20 yards in front of me was a smoker walking in the same direction.
Shortly after he exhaled, I could smell his smoke, and I realised that I was obviously breathing in, some of the air that he had just exhaled from his lungs !
Hopefully, he's not carrying the virus, but this could have been anyone, infected or not. Exhaled breath, does seem to spread further than you imagine.
Personally, I think 2 metres of separation is too close, especially when you look at the high speed video of someone sneezing without a tissue, - the droplets travel horizontally, many many metres!
Kind regards,
Ed.
The 2 metres is a recommendation, perhaps we should try and make it more, but this is something to think about – many thanks Ed.
NEXT: re Cyclists, from one of our members
Hi
I walk on Crown Estate land in Ascot. There is a clear sign at the entrance, which says “No Cycling”.
This was ignored completely last weekend, by many cyclists.
The entrance path is too narrow to accommodate a pedestrian and a cyclist, whilst observing social distancing. Then, their approach towards pedestrians from behind, is silent and startling, when they suddenly come up close behind and sweep past.
If you remonstrate with them, sometimes their language is often, less than helpful.
I’m interested to know, if it’s appropriate and possible to ask for these cyclists to cease this activity. The irony is, they usually ride on the roads – now, when they could have the roads pretty much to themselves, they ride though the countryside on narrow paths.
I can understand this is preferable, but is does not allow for proper social distancing.
Many thanks
Many thanks for this – CAN WE ALL BE CONSIDERATE AND THINK ABOUT HOW OUR BEHAVIOUR AFFECTS OTHERS, WHO MAY BE SUFFERING ADDITIONAL ANXIETY AT THIS TIME ?
NEXT: Some reassurance re supermarket trolleys:
Hi
Thank you all the hard work you do in keeping us posted with latest scams, etc etc.
Re the supermarket baskets:
I shop in a large Maidenhead supermarket and have seen staff wipe the basket handles after every customer and before the put them back in the pile. The same goes for ‘QuickCheck’ handheld guns. Trolleys are sprayed with disinfectants and all staff wear gloves.
Only 50 shoppers max are allowed in at any one time. Admission on a ‘one in, one out’ basis, after queuing in the car park at least 2 metres apart from each other.
Let’s hope we can all stay safe !
Gudrun
Thanks Gudrun for this reassurance.
Re: Petting other people’s pets
Hi
I just wanted to thank you for all the sensible advice you are putting out. It is particularly helpful to get your personal take, on how people are behaving.
I walk in many of the same places and have observed the same things. By now, I would have expected people to have understood, what they have to do, but I saw a couple stop yesterday at the house opposite mine and pet a dog over the fence, touching it all over the head and neck, much to the obvious horror of the owners, who would now have to shampoo their pet.
Also, a few dogs on the Long Walk last weekend, were not under control and tried to jump up on people.
Like many others, I am getting online deliveries - and may I thank, all the people who are still delivering with a smile.
I make sure to touch as little as possible, when carrying them inside. Immediately I wash my hands and then leave the parcels downstairs in the hall for a couple of days before opening them. Not difficult but I think safe.
Keep up the good work.
Alison
AND: from Sandra:
Hi
I was very concerned to read your tale about the dog walkers this weekend, when you were out, and how the virus could be transmitted by petting these. Presumably this applies to cats as well ?
The reason I ask about cats, is that my 84 year old mother-in-law, lets in the neighbour’s cat, on a daily basis, stroking her, letting her sit on cushions, on her, on the sofa and wander from room to room, as well as feeding her treats.
As far as I am aware there has been no publicity about this.
Sandra
If Doctors in the NHS, have to protect themselves, by removing their clothes carefully as soon as hey get home – some remove them do this outside their homes and put on a bath robe, to prevent the virus inadvertently entering their homes and then showering, to remove any virus from exposed skin and hair. If the virus can survive on their hair, it could survive on animal fur. Please therefore take extra precautions, with pets. This is merely a precaution.
Many thanks Alison. Everyone with pets, should remain alert.
COMMENTS:
A poem from James:
Who would have thought when this year started,
That from family and friends we would soon be parted.
Self isolation, the two metres rule,
Most of the children prevented from school,
Shortage of loo rolls, hand gel and soap,
But Boris our PM gave us all hope.
“This can be beaten if we all stay at home”,
Was Boris’s mantra “ please do not roam”
So , of course we listened but didn’t really like it,
But we could take a walk, or perhaps even bike it.
With Skype, Facetime, Zoom and Houseparty
Technology helps us to keep hale and hearty.
So now we’ve the time to stop and stare,
Noticing things that have always been there,
So let’s take a break, forget all the gloom,
Just look at the blossom, and spring flowers in bloom.
James
