Over the weekend we heard the very sad news that one of our Ealing bus drivers, Ranjith Chandrapala, had passed away on 3 May due to COVID-19.
Ranjith drove the 92 bus from Ealing Hospital to IKEA in Brent and was very proud and determined to continue doing so during this crisis.
He has now, sadly, paid for this with his life and we give our sincerest and deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, his colleagues and his friends.
Obviously, this is another brutal reminder of the dangers of COVID-19 and the need for all of us to follow the rules.
Government’s announcement on lockdown
On Sunday, the Prime Minister changed some of those rules but, when we look at what has been said, not a lot has changed.
We need to continue to stay at home, if at all possible; we need to also continue to work from home, if at all possible. The social distancing rules remain in place and, if we do go out, we need to keep two metres apart. And if we are going to exercise we should do so alone – and also only with members of our households if we’re going to play any sports in our parks.
Now, the council’s been looking at those guidelines that the government has just issued in order to see whether there is a need to reopen any services.
We’ll only do that when we put in place any procedures that we must, and guidance that we must, in order to protect the health and safety of both residents and our workers.
It is vital, and that is always our first priority to look after the safety of our residents and workers.
Reopening waste centres
We are looking at reopening our household waste and recycling centres.
The Greenford one we are definitely reopening on 18 May and we are hoping also to be able to open the Acton one.
But please only use those services if you absolutely need to.
If you can continue to store any rubbish at home, please do so and wait until things have settled down a little bit.
Finally, just a plea to stay at home and also to follow the social distancing rules.
It definitely will save lives, and will stop a second wave of this deadly virus.
Latest rules and guidance on lockdown
Find out more about the latest guidance at www.ealing.gov.uk/coronavirus
