Dear residents,
First of all a huge thank you – not just to the fantastic NHS, the Police and other Emergency Services going above and beyond, but our community volunteers, our County and Borough Council staff who together have proved what a unique place we live in…
I’d also like to add to that list by saying thank you to you – our residents, for doing the right thing, Staying at Home, Protecting the NHS, and Saving Lives…..Why? Because in a recent Poll, Reigate and Banstead residents came out best in the numbers who are sticking to the guidance-so, well done! (obviously apart from the 2% who still choose to ignore advice, warnings and evidence!!).
We’ve a long way to go, and the rumour-mongers, ill-informed or plain malevolents are still out there, as are the scammers. I’m still hearing of vulnerable people-usually the elderly, lonely and isolated, who have fallen prey to these low-life Hyenas/criminals. The latest scams are:
- People offering miracle cures for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19).
- The council DO NOT need to enter houses to do a deep clean
- Bogus healthcare workers claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
- Emails claiming that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
- Fake products that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to just take your money
- New mobile phone apps that claim to give you updates on the virus, instead they lock your phone and demand a ransom
- People claiming to be from your bank or the police asking for your bank details over the phone
- People offering to do your shopping and ask for money upfront and then disappear
Please let your vulnerable relatives and neighbours know about these scams, which cause so much trauma to victims.
The two local Helplines for residents, just to remind you are:
Reigate and Banstead BC: 0173727600 and Surrey County Council is 0300 200 1008– both for non-medical advice. They operate 9-5 Mon-Fri and will try and answer or ‘passport’ residents to the appropriate Service, Organisation or Department. They are good!
For those on the internet the website below has an enormous amount of information for residents and businesses/organisations-spend a minute or three looking at what’s on offer, and please ‘spread the word’….
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/emergency-planning-and-community-safety/coronavirus
I received a plea from a GP who practices in Surrey, asking for residents NOT to burn rubbish in their gardens. It’s not only a nuisance but if you burn plastics, etc, you can get fined upto £10,000, but worse, especially in the current situation with people suffering from breathing difficulties it could mean the difference between life and death…..So please BIN the BURNING!
Talking of Bins, (!) our binmen (and women) are working really hard at the moment but you can help them. A couple of suggestions:
- Please be considerate when parking your car on a collection day, this will help to ensure the collection vehicles can access your road.
- Due to reduced traffic, your usual collections time may change. Please put your bins out early and leave them out until they’ve been emptied.
- Please make sure your bin lids are firmly closed to help prevent crews unnecessarily touching them.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your bin.
- Compact your recycling into bins as much as possible to maximise space and only put bins out when they are full.
- Bin crews are working hard to keep this essential service going during this difficult time. If you see them, please let them know you appreciate what they’re doing and give them a wave or a smile!
Finally, the basics still apply and its a 20:20 vision…
Wash hands for 20 seconds….Keep 2 Metres apart and 0 Excuses
So please- Stay at Home-Protect the NHS-Save Lives.
With my Best wishes,
Jeff. Harris
Surrey County Councillor