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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Council Urges Us to Use Haringey's High Streets Safely as Local Cases Start to Rise Again

A message from the Council:

We all have a role to play in avoiding a second wave of Coronavirus – that is why Dr Will Maimaris, Haringey Council’s Director of Public Health, is urging residents and businesses to use our high streets responsibly.

Dr Maimaris is warning that the pandemic is far from over, and is urging those visiting shops, restaurants and pubs to ensure they are following the guidance – to wear masks where required, wash hands regularly and keep up the social distancing.

Across the country there have been reports of people flouting the rules, and it is vital that here in Haringey we all work together to protect lives and livelihoods and avoid a local lockdown.

In fact we are already starting to see a rise in the number of cases in London and in Haringey, and we must all act together now to stop any further increases in our borough.

Our enforcement team are on the ground working hard to support businesses and ensure they know the rules.

If you are meeting friends in your garden, or at home, please make sure you follow the rules.

You should only meet people you do not live with in three types of groups:

  • you can continue to meet in any outdoor space in a group of up to six people from different households
  • single adult households – in other words adults who live alone or with dependent children only – can continue to form an exclusive ‘support bubble’ with one other household
  • you can also meet in a group of two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household), in any location ‒ public or private, indoors or outdoors. This does not need to be the same household each time.

In the video Dr Maimaris said: “It’s really great that people are supporting local businesses and restaurants and we encourage people to continue to do so.

“However, we have seen some people not following the guidelines and not being respectful of other individuals out on the high street.

“Please remember Coronavirus has not gone away and everyone must play their part in helping to contain the spread of the virus.

“I would also urge our businesses to make sure they have taken the necessary steps to keep their customers safe.

“This is for everyone’s sake and will also ensure that businesses can remain open in the long run and we have a thriving economy and avoid a local lockdown.

“So together we can make a difference in stopping a second wave in Haringey and helping to save lives and livelihoods.”

His message comes as the Government announced that new fines for organisers of illegal raves, unlicensed music events, or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people were being introduced.

They face penalties of up to £10,000, while those taking part in events could be issued with £100 fines up to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offenders.

Tags for Forum Posts: coronavirus

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Eat out to help spread covid. Many Harringay restaurants as busy as ever on Monday night with blatant flouting of rules inside and hordes of people queuing outside and not social distancing or wearing masks. I can’t upload photos as this would identify individuals. The impression seems to be that because Boris is giving them a discount it’s ok. If this was really about helping restaurants then why not give them a rates rebate or direct financial support? 

Ha. But you're right. I've not done any eating out to help out because I don't need a discount. I'd rather Boris find another way to help restaurants and help many of them with paying their rent. For small independent businesses EOTHO isn't really helpful either. Many can't or won't open again. Mega queue in front of Gokyuzu yesterday. Unbelievable! 

Protecting the economy has always been more important to the Tories than actually protecting people from dying. Look at all that money they have pumped into the problem. Millions on PPE  that is not fit for purpose. Testing Centres run by stockbrokers.  Adverts on main time TV telling us to 'stay alert'. And those stickers they put on their press conference podiums exhorting us to 'Beat the virus' don't come cheap. How about mobilising officials to issue fines for infringements the way they do with parking tickets, rather than just relying on a handful of police to wander around saying tut-tut to people? No, that might cost money. Instead tell parents they can send their children back to school in the absence of any serious scientific research, because it will at least free their parents to go back to work.

I have contacted the Council officers about the queues at the restaurants, enforcement of social distancing etc. I copied in the Director of Public Health, since clearly this is public health issue.

I got a very comprehensive reply. I was told that officers are using their powers to get compliance from the businesses and that there has been an improvement. 

Also, I was told that most restaurants have 'put some social distancing measures in place including :

  • Floor markings
  • Introduction of mobile containment guards.
  • Staff assigned to manage queues
  • Removal of tables and chairs – noticeable positive impact   
  • Implementing track and trace'

 The environmental health officers are working hard to manage this, with a focus also on signage and booking systems to reduce queues.

They are visiting and checking premises, and issuing Improvement Notices as required and compliance must be within 28 days. 

I was told they are in 'constant communication with the Director of Public Health and are monitoring the situation very closely'.

I have included the Highways officers in my emails as they are responsible for putting in the barriers like the ones outside Iceland on Green Lanes.

Please do contact me about the situation and I will follow up with the officers in environmental health and public health. My email is: zena.brabazon@haringey.gov.uk

Zena

Zena Brabazon

Cllr, Harringay ward

Thanks Zena but since the start of the scheme until this week there has been no improvement. If they need to improve the current situation within 28 days that will be after the scheme has ended so in fact useless. I've not seen any managing of queues by staff nor have the health officers visited the restaurants whilst people are queuing outside or there wouldn't be queues, at least not the ones we have witnessed Mon-Weds. 

Sounds like a reasonable approach overall, thanks. 

I have been very worried about cases rises here as it's not been taken seriously by any of the businesses. All of them - local traders, plus the nationals chains like Sainsbury's & Superdrug, need to start behaving far more responsibly or we are going to see ourselves in another lockdown. I think fines would be a really good idea 

... and what about the buses? There is open flouting of the mask rules on the 29 and 141. The drivers do nothing. And don't tell me they can't enforce it  Some of them do, refusing to drive on, I've seen it. Most don't and I've complained to Arriva. But it's getting worse. 

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