Coronavirus (COVID-19)
For residents in Kent, we face a huge challenge from coronavirus and its impact on our lives and work.
We are committed to ensuring we continue to deliver services - though we recognise that in these challenging times, some of these will be affected as we follow government advice.
We appreciate many residents will have questions and we will try and answer as many of those as possible, please read our your questions answered page.
Prevent coronavirus spreading
There are things we can all do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading:
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cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
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put used tissues in the bin immediately
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wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
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try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
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do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
If you are worried about your symptoms, use the online NHS 111 coronavirus service or call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP, pharmacy, hospital or other healthcare setting.
NHS Advice
NHS advice on the risks, the symptoms and what you could do if you think you have Coronavirus.
Public Health England Blog
Read the PHE's regularly updated coronavirus blog to find out what you need to know.
Loose Parish Covid-19 Community Hub
YOUR local connection to all services that are being provided to help the local community in and around the Loose parish.
The Loose Parish Council is working with the Community Warden, NLRA, and other key groups and contacts in the local area, to offer help and practical support, to those in need at this difficult time.
If you would like to volunteer to help, or need any help and assistance, please contact the Loose Parish office or one of our Community Partners.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Useful Links & Updates
If you are vulnerable and have an urgent need that cannot be met through existing support networks, you can contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or Tel: 03000 41 92 92. It is a 24 hour service. Deaf British Sign Language users can text the KCC Sensory Services team on 07920 154 315 for help making a request.
Covid-19 Community Support via Maidstone Borough Council
https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/community-hubs-and-local-support
Maidstone Borough Council has set up an on-line form, which people and organisations can complete with their details and what they can offer.
https://my.maidstone.gov.uk/service/Telling_us_about_your_volunteering
Link to Business in Maidstone – the council’s support service
https://businessinmaidstone.co.uk/
King George V (KGV) Playing Field
The King George V playing field currently remains open for exercise and dog walking, but please ensure you keep the minimum 2 metre distance between yourself and other users, and make sure all litter and dog waste is picked up and disposed of, into the bins provided. Don’t forget to wash your hands on your return home.
The parish council is continuing to follow Government advice, with regards to the facilities available at the King George V Playing Field.
The Parish Pavilion is only open to those regular hirers who can meet the latest government requirements, regarding social distancing and the rule of six.
The outdoor gym, teenager and children’s play areas are open. Regular risk assessments are carried out on the equipment, but please bear in mind that it is impossible to ensure that surfaces are kept free from Covid-19. All users should ensure that they wear gloves where possible, do not touch their faces and wash their hands on their return home.
The carpark which has been closed since March (due to lockdown and the retirement of the caretaker), is currently being opened by ‘volunteer’ councillors from 8am-6pm, Monday-Friday only. Closed at the weekend, unless being used by regular hirers. It is hoped that a new caretaker will be appointed soon, thus allowing a return to normal opening and closing times of the gates.
If you see anyone ‘breaking the rules’, for your own health and safety, please do not approach them, but contact the police on 101.
Loose Parish Council ‘Electronic’ Meetings
All parish council meetings have been temporarily suspended until further notice, but some meetings such as planning, and the main parish council meeting, are taking place electronically. Agendas are published on the noticeboards and website when 'virtual' meetings are due to be held.
Public Protection - Scams & Guidance
Residents Targeted by Scam Callers
We have received reports of scam telephone calls targeting residents in Ashford and Tenterden and instructing them to purchase face masks over the phone.
What happens:
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You receive a telephone call.
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An automated voice claims to be from the Government coronavirus helpline.
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You are told the Government wants residents to wear a face mask.
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To purchase face masks you are told to press button 1.
What to do:
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Do not press 1 – this is a scam.
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The Government has not asked the public to wear masks, at this time.
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The Government would not ask you to purchase items in this way.
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Hang up your telephone.
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For advice and to report call Citizens Advice consumer service 0808 223 1133 or visit their webpages.
Please warn vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.
Residents Targeted by NatWest Text Scam
Please be alert to this scam that is targeting Kent residents by text message.
How it works:
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You receive a text from criminals claiming to be from NatWest bank
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You are told there has been a request to update your mobile telephone contact number
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The criminal asks you to click on a link in the text to update your number
What to do:
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Do not click on the link
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Your bank will never send you a message asking you to click on a link
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Forward any suspicious texts referring to NatWest to the number 88355 (Standard network rates apply)
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Find out how to report a scam on Citizens Advice
Please warn vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.
