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Your Kingston. Latest news from your borough.

23 December 2020

The latest advice on COVID-19 and Tier 4
The Government's announcement on Saturday has meant many of us have had to change our plans for Christmas, with Kingston and the rest of London placed in Tier 4.

It's vital that we follow the guidelines in place so we can continue to fight the virus and play our part in reducing infection rates and keeping each other safe.

You can read the latest advice from our Director of Public Health, Iona Lidington, here.

'My fight against long COVID-19'
Former Mayor of Kingston Ian McDonald shares a powerful and personal account of how suffering with the long form of COVID-19 has affected him.

Ian speaks about spending weeks in a coma, the long and difficult road to recovery and his determination to make his daughter's wedding.

Watch it here.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and provides the best protection against Coronavirus. The NHS is currently offering the vaccine to people most at risk from the illness:

  • Some people aged 80 and over who already have a hospital appointment booked in the coming weeks

  • People who live or work in care homes

  • Health care workers at high risk

The vaccine will be offered more widely as soon as possible.

Please wait for the NHS to contact you to let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine.

For further information please visit: nhs.uk/CovidVaccine.

Reminder - Festive opening times and waste collection
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. You can find our opening times, emergency contact details and other helpful information on our website. You can also find Christmas waste and recycling collection dates on our website. If you’re having your online Christmas shopping delivered, recycle the cardboard boxes in your blue-lidded wheelie bin.
It is vital that households who are self-isolating because of a confirmed or a suspected case of COVID-19 follow the government’s advice, which states:
  • Store personal waste, such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths, in disposable rubbish bags.
  • Place these bags into a second bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste.
  • These bags should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external general waste bin.

A big thanks to the Queen's Promenade Friends community group for capturing this beautiful sunset over the thames. 

Where do you go in Kingston for your daily dose of nature? Tag us on Twitter or Instagram and include #KingstonNature.

Kingston Council launches £2m Business Restrictions Hardship Grant
The Council has launched the £2m Business Restrictions Hardship Grant in addition to the grants already available. Kingston Council has already paid out £32 million of grants this year to local businesses impacted by the periods of restrictions and lockdowns.

Read more details, and watch Councillor John Sweeney, portfolio holder for Business, explain more about the grant support available for Kingston businesses.

Coronavirus Winter Support Fund

Voluntary sector organisations can now submit project bids for up to £50,000 to create support programmes across the borough through Kingston's Coronavirus Winter Support Fund.

The Fund is aimed at meeting immediate need amongst individuals and families who are struggling to afford food, utilities and other essentials over the winter months.

More details and how to apply.

Having fun and keeping well over Christmas

Christmas is going to look a little different this year, but there's still fun to be had and joy to be shared in Kingston.

From plays to online choir singing, we've put together an assortment of festive activities that residents can enjoy over the next two weeks, as well as options for support if needed during this time.

Check out the Connected Kingston Christmas page.

Thrive LDN also has a great range of free resources, online tools and helplines available to help you cope and stay well this winter.

And finally... thank you, Kingston
It's been such a challenging year, and you've all been so brilliant.

Thank you, Kingston, and we are wishing you a safe and peaceful Christmas.

Watch all our 'thank yous' in full.

Where to find the latest information and guidance
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