COVID-19 in Lewisham update - 16 October

From 17 October, London will move into the COVID-19 high alert level with further rules in place.
Find out more about what restrictions are in place for high COVID-19 alert level areas.

We will only be able to socialise indoors with people that we live with or those in a support bubble (more on this below). Unfortunately, this means no visits from extended family or friends and no getting together for a meal or night out.

The rule of six still applies outdoors and it is safer for all of us to meet in the fresh air. We can continue to meet in a group of up to six people from different households outdoors in parks, outside spaces and private gardens keeping the safe 2m distance. As the weather turns colder and wetter, the evenings draw in, I know this is going to be difficult and uncomfortable for us all but it is so important that we follow these rules in order to bring the infection rate down.

Seeing just how rapidly the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has increased over recent weeks is concerning. Whilst our seven-day rate is thankfully lower than other areas such as Liverpool or Greater Manchester, it is doubling every week. See our weekly COVID-19 update.

Help us to bring the infection rate down by continuing to look out for symptoms and remember the hands, face and space rules which will really make a difference. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (continuous cough, fever and loss or change in your sense of smell or taste) please stay at home (self-isolate) and get a test. 

Can I form a support bubble?

With a rising infection rate, the best thing we can all do is limit all social interactions to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

For some, this is difficult and a support bubble can be a safe way to create an essential support network. 

A support bubble is between a household with only one adult in the home (a single-adult household) and one other household of any size. 

You might already have a support bubble in place or be considering forming a support bubble if you are a single parent (with children under 18), for essential childcare, to meet care needs or if you need to support someone who is lonely and vulnerable. 

If you are in a support bubble you should think of yourself as in a single household. You won’t be able to change who is in your bubble and you must follow social distancing guidance with anyone outside your household or support bubble. The government advice is that your support bubble should be with a household that lives locally wherever possible.

Remember if anyone in your support bubble develops symptoms or is asked to self-isolate, everyone in the support bubble should stay at home (self-isolate).

Read more about support bubbles on the Governments website.

Tackling health inequalities 

Throughout Black History Month, I’ll be using some of my blog posts to update on the work that we are doing to support our Black communities in relation to the impact of COVID-19.

This year, COVID-19 has highlighted significant health inequalities affecting Black African and Caribbean communities, which are perpetuated by inequalities in the wider determinants of health such as housing, employment and education. 

Lewisham Council is leading the Birmingham and Lewisham African & Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) in partnership with Birmingham City Council. The ground breaking review will gather insights on health inequalities within Black African and Caribbean communities in Birmingham and Lewisham asking ‘how do we break the cycle of inequality?’

Local representatives of Black African and Black Caribbean communities in Lewisham and Birmingham have formed an Advisory Board to progress this work and I will be sharing mini profiles of our board members in coming weeks. 

Our Lewisham COVID-19 Community Champion programme is up and running and this week we held the first of our fortnightly webinars via Zoom. It was great to hear from some of our Champions about how they are sharing COVID-19 information already and to gather ideas on how we can work together on getting key messages on COVID-19 out to the Lewisham community. 

It’s really important our Community Champions reflect Lewisham’s diverse population. There’s still time to sign up and help us reach the specific communities that you are in touch with. Thank you again to everyone who has come on board so far.