COVID-19 in Lewisham - 23 December update
For my final blog of the year, I want to make sure that you have all of the information that you need to keep safe from COVID-19 during the Christmas period.
As infection rates surge across London and other parts of the country, it’s crucial to make sure that you have had your first, second and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. This is one of the most important things that you can do to keep safe this Christmas.
You can book your booster, first or second vaccine dose online – or just go along to one of the walk-in vaccination clinics open around the borough. Some of the walk-ins are open between Christmas and New Year – and a few are open on one or more of the Bank Holidays.
The NHS website gives up-to-date information on clinics available over the festive period and you can find your nearest walk-in vaccination clinic by putting your postcode into the NHS search tool.
Walk-in vaccinations for 12-15 year olds at Lewisham Hospital
The walk-in vaccination clinic at University Hospital Lewisham (SE13 6LH) is open to 12-15 year olds, as well as anyone aged 16 or over. This clinic is open 8am-4pm Monday to Saturday, but is closed on 25, 26, 31 December 2021 and 1, 2, 3 January 2022.
Twelve- to 15-year-olds can receive their second COVID-19 vaccine dose either at a walk-in site or by booking an appointment via the National Booking Service, providing it has been 12 weeks since their first dose.
Meeting others safely
If you’re meeting others for Christmas please remember to take a lateral flow test before you go. If your lateral flow test result is positive, you must self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test. Find the latest guidance on self-isolation on the Government website.
Please also familiarise yourself with Government guidance on how best to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This guidance includes tips on ensuring that you have good ventilation if meeting others indoors. This can really help to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and is important before, during, and after meeting people that you do not live with indoors.
Three-day rapid test kit collection point in Downham
To help you access lateral flow tests over the holidays, we are opening a three-day collection point for residents to pick up lateral flow test kits between 10am and 4pm on 29-31 December at the Green Man, Downham, 355 Bromley Rd, London SE6 2RP. Community groups will be able to collect large boxes of test kits - please be ready to show your ID badge.
PCR test site in Catford
If you need to take a PCR test – for example, you have symptoms of COVID-19 – you can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site. These sites include a mobile testing unit which is open 9am-3pm daily (9am-12 noon on Christmas Day and Boxing Day) up until – and including - Friday 31 December at Lewisham Lorry Parks (adjacent to Laurence House) off of Canadian Avenue, Catford.
I’d finally like to thank you for all that you have done to keep Lewisham safe over this past year. My best wishes to you for the holidays.