COVID-19 in Lewisham: update 25 September

We know the rate of COVID-19 infection across the country is rising fast and just today London has been added to the national COVID-19 watch list.

It is clear that the virus is spreading and the risk to all of us is greater than it has been for some time. This was outlined by the Government’s scientific advisors in Monday’s briefing.

Read the Chief Scientific Advisor and Chief Medical Officer 21 September briefing on coronavirus.

In Lewisham the current rate of COVID-19 is 17.5/100,000 but since people are finding it difficult to access tests, the number of people with positive test results is just one indicator we are watching. I know that many of you are still finding it challenging to access tests but please continue try to book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolate until you get the test result.

As the Government looks to increase testing capacity, it is vital that we continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We can do this by taking the simple steps including:

• regularly washing our hands
• wearing a face covering
• maintaining the safe 2-metre space from others.

Get the NHS COVID-19 app

The NHS COVID-19 app is now live and available to download. It can help you check symptoms, get a test and scan a barcode to check in to venues such as cafes, restaurants, places of worship or hairdressers.

The app is anonymous because it tracks the virus, not individuals. Nobody, including the Government, will know who or where you are. But you can create your own digital diary to help identify close contacts if you develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19.

Earlier this week, Government ambassadors were in Tesco Lewisham to answer questions from local residents and demonstrate how the app works. They spoke to a number of residents about the benefits use of the app will bring for the community and addressed common misconceptions and concerns about privacy.

Find out more about what the NHS COVID-19 app does.

If you can’t or don’t want to download the app, all venues across Lewisham should offer you the opportunity to share your contact details by writing them down.

Is it a cold, flu or coronavirus?

At this time of year, many of us catch a cold. It can be difficult to judge whether the symptoms in children are just everyday sniffles or one of the three most common symptoms of COVID-19. You can read this article for some advice about judging your symptoms.

With COVID-19 spreading, it is even more important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to. If you are eligible, look out for your free appointment. Measures have been introduced to make sure it’s safe for you to have the flu vaccine at GP surgeries and pharmacies. These include social distancing, hand washing and wearing protective equipment.

Find out more about the flu vaccine.

Self-isolation

You are probably all familiar with the ‘hands, face and space’ rules, but how well do you know the rules around self-isolating? This week the Government announced hefty fines of up to £10,000 for those who don’t follow these important rules, which will help stop the spread of the virus and save lives.

If you develop symptoms or you are told to self-isolate, stay at home.

If you are self-isolating and need help, email incident@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 3535 to check what practical or financial support may be available to you.

Self-isolation quiz

Test your knowledge on the self-isolation dos and don’ts:

I can’t work from home, so can I go to my workplace?

No, if you are self-isolating you cannot go to work, school or any public space.

All employers should, as a minimum, offer Statutory Sick Pay and help is available if you are facing financial difficulties due to self-isolation.

Can I walk my dog?

No, you must not leave your home at all, even to walk your dog or for exercise.

Unlike lockdown earlier this year when we all became accustomed to a daily walk or trip to the park, you will have to find creative ways to burn some energy in your home, or your garden if you are lucky enough to have private outdoor space. Ask a friend to take your dog for walks.

Can my friend bring my food shopping to me?

Yes, but they must not come inside.

Remember you must not have visitors to your home if anyone is self-isolating. If you can’t order your groceries or medicine online, you could arrange for a friend, family member or neighbour to drop them round to you but they must not come in your home.

If my flatmate develops symptoms, do we both self-isolate?

Yes.

If someone you live with starts to show symptoms, you should stay at home and self-isolate with them. They will self-isolate for 10 days but you will have to stay at home for a full 14 days whether you have symptoms or not. This is because you may still be infectious.

If I get a negative test result, is it true I don’t have to continue self-isolating?

No, if you were told to self-isolate (by NHS Test & Trace, your employer or school) you must self-isolate for the full period.

If during this time, you develop symptoms and you get a test which shows a negative result, you must keep self-isolating for the rest of the 14 days from when you were last in contact with the person who has coronavirus – as you could get symptoms after being tested.

If you receive a positive test result you should continue to self-isolate for 10 days from when you first developed symptoms - this might mean self-isolating for longer than 14 days overall.

If my child develops symptoms, do we both self-isolate?

If your child has been asked to self-isolate from school, they should stay at home until the date that has been shared with you on the letter from school. Unless you develop symptoms, there is no need for you or others in your household to self-isolate.

Self-isolation is very difficult for some people to follow but it is important we follow these rules to protect ourselves, our loved ones and all those who are vulnerable in our community.