Dear constituent

I am writing to you with a further update on the Coronavirus situation. Firstly, for those who are relatively new to receiving these updates, a few people have asked why I have not been commenting about national controversial political issues.

I have always made sure that my local updates are just that, focusing on things that are either inform about what is happening in the area or providing what I hope is useful information. They are aimed at everyone locally regardless of political persuasion, and so I always try to avoid political matters.

Reopening of Shops

As you are probably aware, virtually all local shops will be open again from next Monday. Most of their owners have really struggled in recent weeks, and so I would encourage everyone who can next week to go out and buy something from one of the reopened shops. I hope to see you there.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Centres

I’m afraid I gave you some misinformation in the last bulletin about testing centres. The centre in the Upper High Street Car Park is no longer there. It was only established on a temporary basis – there are a number of mobile centres moving around the country. Sorry.

If you do test positive for the virus, you will now be contacted by the NHS’s track and trace service. A full explanation of what happens is here.

I am trying to find out what is going to happen to the test centre in Chessington once the zoo part of the World of Adventures re-opens next week. I will update you next week. But if you apply for a test online via the link I sent in my last bulletin, you will be given a range of options to choose from.

Hobbledown

Closer to home, Hobbledown is also about to reopen – initially just to members, but by the end of next week to everyone. Details on its website, www.hobbledown.com.

Coronavirus Data

Last week one constituent asked me if I could circulate details of the level of coronavirus infections in our area. There are figures for each local authority area here.

It is worth saying that these figures cover the period going back to the start of the outbreak, and that the weekly figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown a sharp fall in the level of infection in the community over the past month.

Litter

Finally I have been asked by a number of local residents to ask people to take extra care with litter, as bins are often full in the parks at the moment. Please do take any rubbish home with you.

Best wishes

Chris