Statement from Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council - Tuesday 24 March
“Everyone will now be aware that we are in lock down to protect our most vulnerable residents and the NHS from coronavirus. The Prime Minister announced last night that we must all stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work which we can’t do from home. When we are out, we must stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people, and wash our hands as soon as we get home.
“This is not a request, it is a direction that we all must follow. I know many people were already being responsible and following the Government and NHS guidance around staying at home, social distancing and not opening businesses. However, there has remained a level of complacency among some which is unacceptable. We all have a responsibility to follow the directions from Government to try to keep ourselves and others free from infection and protect our most vulnerable residents and the NHS.
“The Council is still working and delivering frontline services, though with the majority of staff working from home, and we’re in regular contact with our local partners, particularly those in the NHS, as well as Public Health England and the Government. Our formal response detailing the many measures we’re taking to protect the public, deliver frontline services and set up robust structures to continue managing the situation will be published over the coming days.
“Our enforcement teams and the police will be patrolling the borough and taking action against any people or businesses contravening these directions. I make no apologies whatsoever if people feel these measures are a bit extreme. Now is not a time for sensitivities, it’s the time to save lives.
“It’s so important that, as a borough, we all pull together and I want to thank everyone who has gone above and beyond in their efforts. I’m very proud of the residents and businesses of Hounslow and I’m sure, if we all work together over these coming weeks, we will be stronger for it.”
The latest Government guidance is available here.
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