Even in these hard times, there are sadly some people who will try and take advantage of others and Barking and Dagenham Council is getting wind of a number of coronavirus scams taking place.



As the vaccine is being rolled out, fraudsters are trying to trick people into booking a fake vaccine and in the last few days, Action Fraud has received a number of reports of people receiving text messages claiming to be from the NHS and offering them the opportunity to sign up for the coronavirus vaccination. 

A new test site will open on Saturday 16 January today to make it easier for residents of Barking and Dagenham with Covid-19 symptoms to get tested for coronavirus, nearer to their home.

The new test site, based at Curzon Community Centre car park, Bastable Avenue, Barking, IG11 0LG, will be open between 2 to 5pm (Saturday 16 January), 10am to 5pm (Sunday 17 January), and then from Monday 18 January it will be open 8am to 8pm every day, seven days a week. 

Residents are being encouraged to give their views on Barking and Dagenham Council’s 2021/22 budget proposals.

Following a decade of severe government cuts, the coronavirus pandemic has brought enormous challenges for our health service and a significant social and economic crises. That’s why the council has taken unprecedented steps to protect our residents and community during this hugely challenge time.

In response to COVID-19, we have provided critical support to residents in need, and together with other partner organisations, we have:

The leaders of five North East London councils have written to religious leaders and places of worship across their respective boroughs to help curb the rising levels of coronavirus infections by taking services online.

Around one in three people with Covid don’t have symptoms, but can still pass it on, so it’s really important residents act as though they do have it, even if they don't have symptoms, to help stop the spread.

Whether residents have coronavirus symptoms or not, there are now lots of ways they can get tested in Barking and Dagenham. If people are in doubt or just want peace of mind, they should get a test.

The country is now back in a national lockdown due to a rise in coronavirus cases and Barking and Dagenham Council is determined more than ever to keep all residents safe, so that’s why they have brought in more Covid Marshals.

Since early November, Covid Marshals have been patrolling high footfall areas in the borough offering advice and guidance to businesses and residents on staying safe, obeying the rules and acting responsibly during the pandemic, including providing information on social distancing and wearing face coverings.

In today’s announcement (30 December) from the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP, we discovered that Barking and Dagenham is on a list which means our primary schools will only be open to children with a social worker and children of key workers on Monday 4 January. 21 other London boroughs are also on this list which appears to be based on case rates.

Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking the help of residents and motorists to help identify a man who was captured on CCTV causing damage worth tens of thousands of pounds to glass frontage at the Becontree Leisure Centre in Dagenham.

The incident, which was captured on CCTV took place between 3.30 and 4am on the morning of Monday 21 December.

I am appealing to residents and also motorists who may have been driving past at the time and witnessed this dastardly act, or to anyone who may recognise the suspect to please get in touch.

The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, was on hand to help Youth League UK, a local charity working to support disadvantaged young people and their families in the borough.

 

Youth League UK launched a Christmas food distribution project for vulnerable families at risk of hunger and starvation. Cllr Rodwell, was in attendance to assist at the launch event along with Youth League UK’s Programme Manager John Wainaina, at the Attik Youth and Community centre in Dagenham Heathway.

 

Residents of Barking and Dagenham and their families with or without Covid-19 symptoms will be able to get a test on a number of sites across the borough and at a time to suit them.

The council has prioritised increased testing for its residents over the holiday period by ensuring there are a number of testing facilities across the borough, so people do not have to go far from home to get tested.