Coronavirus

Coronavirus (Covid-19) information and updates

Updated: 17th June 2021

Welcome to our dedicated Coronavirus page.  

This is where we will post regular updates and advice relating to Coronavirus, including information on the measures we are putting in place to protect our customers and colleagues.

Coronavirus Services Status:

Service Status

An update on our services:

The government's 8-step 'Roadmap out of Lockdown' began on 8th March, with further restrictions being lifted from 12th April 2021. 

From 21 June, there’s a 4-week pause at Step 3 of the government's roadmap. After 2 weeks, the government will review the data to see if the risks have reduced. It’s expected that England will move to Step 4 on 19 July. Step 3 restrictions remain in place - follow the guidance on what you can and cannot do.

We are currently operating a prioritised repairs service. We will also continue to operate our key compliance activities including Gas Safety Checks (LGSR’s) and communal cleaning/inspections; and where we have the resources, to deliver works to vacant homes and external works.

During emergency visits, we will work in a COVID-secure and safe way at all times with our customer and colleagues’ safety our utmost priority.

We are grateful to customers for their patience and understanding in these challenging circumstances.

Staying safe when we visit

We have put together a short video, showing all the measures we take when we carry out work or visits to a customers home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Colleagues working in any communal areas of our properties will be wearing a face covering. Our colleagues will also be wearing a face-covering whilst carrying out work in a customer’s home. A new face-covering will be applied to every home our staff visit.

Help Us to Help You:

Home visits:

Please do not be offended if we ask you a few questions before visiting your home to carry out an emergency  repair and work with us to answer these honestly. This is for everyone’s safety.

We will also reinforce the 2-metre rule in the workplace and when we are speaking with customers, including in their homes. If we are unable to observe the 2-metre rule, for example where a customer does not adhere to the guidance, we are asking our colleagues to leave the situation.

If customers are self-isolating or have symptoms, we will need to postpone the appointment until a later date or find another way to contact you, such as by phone.

During this difficult time, it is essential that we ensure safe working practices for our team members. Our preference is to communicate with customers by phone or email but on occasion we may still have need to visit you at your home or to visit the estate where you live.

Please can we ask that you do not approach Halton team members when on the estate without wearing a face mask and keeping to at least a 2-metre distance.

If one of our staff visits you at your home, then it is essential that they be allowed safe access to enter the home and to undertake the work they are there to do. Please help us. We want to provide services to you and to do that we need you to make sure your home is clean and safe to enter. You and your family members must respect the 2-metre distance rule and we ask that you always wear a face mask. We are asking you to do this to avoid any chance of spreading the virus.

Please note that our staff have been instructed to leave someone’s home should they feel at risk. So, for instance, if you remove your face mask then our officer will leave your home and not return until we are certain that it is safe for them to do so. Please respect the needs of our officers in the same way that we are trying to ensure that you are protected.

When in communal areas (such as stairwells, hallways, or communal rooms) we ask that you wear face masks and keep to social distance rules. This is essential to minimise any chance of infections spreading and particularly important in our sheltered and extra care facilities.

Where we have to end a visit for health and safety reasons or have evidence that you have not followed Government Guidance, we will consider whether to notify the police of your actions and see if a breach of Tenancy has occurred. Please help us to help you – let us get through this pandemic safely

Customer engagement activities:

Our customer engagement initiatives such as listening events, forum meetings, money advice events continue online (via Zoom) wherever possible.  

With the coronavirus lockdown slowly lifting and restrictions being eased, we’re delighted to unveil our new estate walkabout programme for 2021/2022. For full details of the estate walkabouts including dates, times, and locations of both physical and virtual events, visit our events page.  Please respect and follow social distancing guidelines during the walkabouts. 

Further Guidance:

Read guidance from Halton Borough Council and the government.

Coronavirus Testing:

Order free coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests if you DO NOT have COVID-19 symptoms. To find out more, including how to order please visit: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

SMART testing is also available in Halton. If you DO NOT have COVID-19 symptoms, you can get tested at Grangeway and Ditton community centres. To find out more please visit: www.halton.gov.uk/SMART.

Rent and Money worries - Help and Support:

This is a difficult time for many people and we understand that this may be the first time you have had to claim benefits. We’ve tried to answer some questions you might have if you’re in employment and are ill or affected by coronavirus and where possible provide signposting and guidance to help and support that is available to help you claim. Find out more here.

Don’t get caught in a coronavirus scam:

To help you keep an eye out for coronavirus scams, we’ve pulled together details on some which are currently circulating and provide details of what to do if you think you have fallen victim. Find out more here.