This week we’ve made huge strides as a council in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Message from the Leader: COVID-19 update
We’ve set up the Community Help Hub to provide non-medical help and support for people in the borough that are self-isolating or being shielded, and may not otherwise be able to get the things they need.
We’ve made changes where needed to ensure frontline services can continue to operate within new government guidelines and ensure the safety of the residents, families and communities they serve. This includes ensuring staff have essential protective wear if it’s needed to safely carry out their duties and ensure the virus isn’t spread.
Many staff have been taking up different roles across the council to help wherever needed. However, the coronavirus outbreak has put additional pressures on the council and we are working hard to ensure that vital services don’t stop running. This includes our recycling and waste collection services that are currently operating with a reduced number of staff.
To ensure the continuation of the waste and recycling service we are having to make some temporary changes. This includes changing our blue recycling bin collections to a fortnightly service so that we can continue to provide you with a weekly black refuse bin collection. We will also be pausing our garden waste collections from the weekend. Find out more about the temporary changes to our waste and recycling services
If you are self-isolating, either as a precaution, or because you or someone in your home have tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the precautionary advice and help us ensure the safety of our bin collectors. Put your waste in a plastic rubbish bag and tie it up, especially if you are disposing of tissues or cleaning cloths. Put the bag in a second plastic bin bag and tie this up. Store it in a secure place away from children and pets for at least 72 hours before putting out for collection. Find out more about disposing of rubbish safely
We understand that the current situation creates difficulties for us all, and we are doing our best to support you during these challenging times. For those that are struggling financially, we are offering people that pay their Council Tax or other council services monthly, the option to defer payment until June 2020. Visit the Council Tax webpages to find out more. We are also offering this option to businesses that may be struggling at this time. Find out more about our support for businesses
Please continue to look after yourself and others. Our Barnet.gov.uk/Covid19 web pages are updated regularly with information, advice and details about any changes to our services.