COVID-19 in Lewisham update 30 October
We’re all doing our best to adjust to the restrictions that tier 2 – high local COVID-19 alert level area – bring. Right now, like all local authority areas in London, the number of people testing positive in Lewisham continues to increase each week. I would like to say thank you to everyone for persevering with the rules – remembering to wash hands, wear a face covering, maintain the safe 2 metre space from others, and not mixing between households/support bubbles when indoors. It’s really important that we all continue to encourage one another to follow the rules. Find a reminder of the restrictions for high level areas here.
More people are helping NHS Test and Trace to identify close contacts that might have been exposed to the virus and this makes a huge difference in stopping the spread of COVID-19. If you use the NHS COVID-19 app, be assured it is anonymous and it cannot be used to track your location for law enforcement or to monitor self-isolation and social distancing. It works because users followthe advice to protect their loved ones and stop the spread of the virus.
Celebrating at a distance
As our thoughts turn to upcoming festivities whether it’s Diwali, Hanukkah or Christmas, I know how heartbreaking it is to think that we might not be able to socialise with friends and family or enjoy the usual traditions. It is however so important to stick to the rules so that we all help slow the spread to prevent further restrictions.
The traditional family occasions of Halloween and Bonfire Night will be very different this year. Here's some fun alternatives that will help keep you and your neighbours safe this year. Firework displays have been cancelled this year as the risk of spreading COVID-19 is just too great among large crowds.
It’s more than a month
Throughout Black History Month, I’ve used 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.
At the end of October, it is time to reflect on Lewisham Council’s promise that it is more than just a month. Lewisham Council is committed to reduce inequality and injustice for everyone. Read more about the Council’s ongoing work to tackle racial inequalities.
I know many Black residents are worried about the threat of COVID-19 and this week’s review – An Avoidable Crisis - highlights some of the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 for Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
We are a diverse borough and almost half of the resident population is Black or Minority Ethnic Heritage (46 per cent rising to 77 per cent for the borough’s schools population). Our public health approach is driven by data insights – what we know about those who are infected by COVID-19 is crucial so we fully support Lady Lawrence’s call for comprehensive ethnicity data collected across the NHS and social care.
100 Lewisham COVID-19 Community Champions
We now have 103 Community Champions to help communicate our public health messages in the community! This a great achievement but we are still keen to continue to build on this to support COVID-19 communications with all Lewisham residents. If you think you can help us reach our diverse community, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more about what the role involves.