COVID-19 in Lewisham update 6 November
The next four weeks of national restrictions will be critical to ensure that we continue to keep Lewisham safe. We must take this opportunity to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus to make sure the NHS can manage with any increase in hospital admissions, not just due to COVID-19 but other winter health issues, especially flu.
Let’s all keep up those everyday actions that are making such a difference – wear your face covering, wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others and stay at home (self-isolate) if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Remember within the new rules we can meet with one person from outside our household – keeping the safe 2 metre distance – in outdoor public spaces. We are fortunate here in Lewisham that we’ve got beautiful parks and green spaces that will remain open with some cafes serving takeaway food and drink. It’s good for our physical health and mental wellbeing so even though it’s chilly let’s get outside and meet with a loved one or friend in the fresh air, where it is safe to do so.
How can we reduce the infection rate?
Everyone is doing their bit to help reduce the number of people testing positive for coronavirus by following the government guidance and looking out for each other.
Our Public Health teams have been facilitating local test sites in the borough to make it quick and easy for everyone to get a test. Lewisham was one of the very first areas to open a Local Testing Centre, in Vanguard Way, which allows ‘walk in’ visits for those needing a COVID-19 test. We continue to build up our local testing capacity and in coming weeks, we will be opening a further test site in Lewisham.
We also take a really proactive approach with our schools, attending weekly meetings with head teachers to provide support and guidance as needed. Similarly with care homes, we have regular meetings and we have hosted several webinars to help voluntary and faith networks to help us encourage everyone in our diverse community to understand the guidance.
We will continue to respond quickly to any positive cases in schools and other venues and keep up our work within our community to encourage everyone to follow the rules to protect ourselves, each other and especially the most vulnerable.
NHS is open
The NHS is open so please continue to access health services when you need them. Even those who are clinically extremely vulnerable are encouraged to attend GP and hospital appointments. It is safe and it is so important to attend planned appointments for yourself or your children.
Protecting yourself from the flu is more important than ever. If you live with someone on the NHS shielded patient list, you will be eligible for the flu vaccination for the first time. Speak to your pharmacist or GP to find out more on the NHS website.
Many of us have been indoors more than usual this year, so it’s important to keep our vitamin D levels up. If you are pregnant, a new mother or have a child under 4 you will be eligible for free Vitamin D, find out more about Vitamin D on our website.