A message from Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council
Brent, along with the rest of London, is now in the High Risk Tier 2 level of COVID restrictions. We could easily have been in the highest level - Tier 3. And that’s where we will be, if we don’t see the number of cases and rate of infection in the borough continue to fall.
It’s really critical that we all follow the new rules that now apply to us in Tier 2. Remember, you still cannot mix with anyone indoors unless you live with them, or they’re in your support bubble. I urge you to encourage friends, family and colleagues to stick to the rules. Failing to do so puts your loved ones at risk of serious infection, being admitted to hospital and, devastatingly, death.
These are short-term sacrifices and there is hope. This week a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine was approved for use in the UK. At first, the vaccine will be offered to people who are most at risk from coronavirus – those who live in care homes, care home workers, people aged 80 and over and health and social care workers. It will then be offered more widely - you'll be contacted by the NHS when it’s your turn.
If you're at a higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu. The flu vaccine is offered every year on the NHS and, if your aged 50 and over, is now available through your GP surgery or a pharmacy offering a flu vaccine service. The NHS website has more information about the flu vaccine and why vaccination is safe and important
The past month has been hard for everyone, especially small businesses. Nevertheless, Brent businesses have continued to go above and beyond to support our residents, which is a testament to the true community spirit we have here in Brent. Some of the very best local businesses in the borough have been recognised with a Small Business Saturday Award - I'd like to personally thank everyone who took part. Please continue to 'Shop Safe, Shop Local', supporting our valued local businesses through this difficult time.
Since March we have paid out significant amounts of money to businesses in the borough through the various support schemes available. I am pleased that £6 million worth of Additional Restrictions Grants have been now been made available to local businesses forced to close by the recent COVID restrictions. If you own your own business in Brent, please check if you are eligible and apply. We're determined to help businesses in Brent thrive - our newly published Economic Recovery Plan sets out the key areas we're working on.
Finally, I'd like to say Hanukkah Sameach to everyone in the borough celebrating Hanukah next week. Please celebrate safely and responsibly. For now, for this winter, please continue to follow the rules, protect the NHS and save lives.
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