I'd like to start by thanking all of you who continue to follow government guidelines, taking preventative measures to protect yourself and others. It's now been six months since lockdown was introduced, and I fully appreciate how this might be impacting you and your family, whether it be financially, mentally, physically or emotionally.

As you will know new restrictions have been put in place which will affect us all including:

To work from home if you can
All pubs, bars and restaurants to operate table service and close their doors by 10pm
Face coverings will be mandatory in all retail and hospitality venues, as well as private taxis

Read the full list of restrictions on the government website.

Today also sees the launch of the new NHS app designed to help track and trace the spread of the virus (more details below). Remember, if you experience any coronavirus symptoms, self-isolate and keep trying to get tested by calling 119 or by booking online.

Here in Waltham Forest, we are ready for the second wave of this challenge, and are ready to support you through this. The pandemic is not over, but by sticking together and supporting each other we can come out stronger.

Please note, we believe the positive coronavirus rate displayed below is potentially higher, due to the ongoing challenges we are experiencing with tests in Waltham Forest. We are working hard to lobby government to provide more testing capacity and will keep you up to date with this situation.

Test and Trace

Protect your loved ones. Get the app

From today, you'll be able to download the NHS Covid-19 app which will help you to protect your loved ones in an efficient and simple way.

The app, designed to track where positive coronavirus cases are will help you to understand whether you have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.

It will be mandatory for the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector to ask visitors to 'check-in' via the app, to help them track any possible spreads more efficiently.

The app is available for download on your relevant app store on your mobile phone.

Learn more

Hot'ober for kids this Autumn

As we move into the colder months with children returning to school in a new way, having a hot meal at lunchtime can be a comforting thought.

Schools across the borough are kicking off Hot'ober on Wednesday 1 October, encouraging more schools to start serving hot school food as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.

We all know the benefits of eating a balanced diet can make to children’s attainment and development, so join us to encourage our schools to return to hot meals as soon as possible.

Find out more

Lockdown sees Waltham Forest’s recycling rates increase

Recycling

It’s Recycle Week and Waltham Forest Council is thanking residents for recycling more than ever this year despite the challenges presented by Covid-19.

From March-August 2020, the Council’s waste and recycling crews collected 1038.45 more tonnes of recycling compared to the same period the previous year.

Additionally, from March-August 2020, Waltham Forest’s bin collection crews picked up over one ton of domestic batteries, four tonnes of small electrical items and a whopping seven tonnes of textiles including clothes and shoes.

Read the full story

Young People of WF have their say

We caught up with some of the students at Waltham Forest College last week.

They spoke to us about how the coronavirus had affected them, what they feel about a future lockdown, and how they want their peers to follow the guidance to help stop the spread.

It's important that the young people of Waltham Forest understand the importance of taking preventative measures, and the serious consequences of spreading the virus can have.

Watch the video

Increased enforcing for masks and curfews

Test and Trace

Following the government announcement of stricter measures including face masks being worn in more venues and the pubs and restaurants to close by 10pm, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they will be stepping up enforcement of Covid regulations in response to the rising rates of infection across London.

When you're out and about across Waltham Forest, do make sure you have your face covering with you, otherwise you could face a £200 fine for a first offence.

Please make sure you know where you need to wear your face mask.

Read the full list of venues

Applications open for Secondary School

school

Parents and carers of children in Year 6 should now be applying for a secondary school place for their child to start school in September 2021.

These applications will close on 31 October 2020. Any applications received after this date, will be less likely to be given a place in their preferred schools.

A great way to get a feel for a school is to attend their open session, a lot of which will be held virtually due to the Covid-19 restrictions. We encourage parents and carers to attend as many open sessions as possible, a lot of which will be held virtually due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Apply for a school place

Book onto an open session

We're still here

health survey

We know how challenging this time has been for our residents, and want to continue to make sure we can support you in the way you need.

Whether you need financial support, housing help, mental health advice, accessible coronavirus guidance or tips on things to do from home, our website has lots of useful information.

Visit our website

Council Services

Our teams are continuing to deliver vital services and are working hard to reopen services as and when it is safe to do so.

Learn more

Keep up to date with Council Services

Following Government instructions some Council services are being reduced to ensure the safety of both residents and staff.

A number of services have been affected but we are working hard to ensure that vital services continue. You can get up to date information on our services and how to access them by clicking here

Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.

If residents have questions please visit our website, and use live chat to talk to one of our team, it's quicker than phoning.