COVID-19 in Lewisham - 1 April update
This week, the national stay at home restrictions were lifted and it is a relief to see the Government’s roadmap slowly and cautiously starting to ease COVID-19 restrictions throughout spring and into summer.
The new guidance says up to six people or two households will be able to meet outdoors in a park or a garden allowing friends and families to get together. We’re lucky to be enjoying such warm spring weather, but as the forecast looks cooler over the weekend, please do remember why it’s so important to stay outdoors.
In poorly ventilated rooms, the amount of virus in the air can build up and this increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, especially if there are lots of infected people in the room. The virus can remain in the air even after an infected person has left so bring in fresh air by opening the windows or doors to help reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19.
There are lots of little tips to really improve airflow in a room, which not only helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, but is linked to health benefits such as better sleep.
- Open windows and doors at opposite sides of your room or home to get a good flow of fresh air.
- Make sure your trickle vents (those small vents at the top of a window) are open – this allows air from outside to mix with warmer room air, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep the window open throughout the day to maximise the fresh air and circulation.
If you are arranging a catch up with family and friends outside in the fresh air this Easter weekend, wear an extra jumper if the weather gets cold. Remember to keep the safe 2m distance from anyone outside of your household, regularly wash your hands and wear your face covering.
If you’re over 50, book your COVID-19 vaccination now
The roll out of the vaccination continues across Lewisham and anyone aged over 50 can now book a vaccination appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119, free of charge.
You can also book directly if you are:
- an eligible frontline health or social care worker
- a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
- have a learning disability
- are clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) or clinically vulnerable (moderate risk).
Please do encourage all your loved ones to come forward and get the COVID-19 vaccination. Sir Lenny Henry and Bafta-winning filmmaker Amma Asante put the message so well in an open letter to mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, daughters, sons and cousins. You can watch Sir Lenny Henry and Amma Asante’s ‘A letter to loved ones about the COVID-19 vaccine’ video on YouTube.
Thank you to Bishop McLeod and everyone at the New Testament Church of God in Lee for hosting a hugely successful pop-up vaccination clinic in the church last Saturday. I popped down during the afternoon and it was a wonderful atmosphere – the volunteer staff were friendly and accommodating – and I heard some really positive stories afterwards.
Bishop McLeod has told us that people coming in for the vaccination were really happy to see the church playing a part and supporting the efforts in the fight against COVID-19. It shows just how reassuring it is for local communities to receive information on the vaccination from trusted sources – whether that’s faith leaders, doctors or NHS staff. Huge thanks to everyone who helped build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine locally and encourage eligible people to come out and get the vaccine.
Over 180 people attended for the few hours the clinic was running and this included those eligible for the vaccination from the church’s own congregation and network, as well as those in the local neighbourhood.
Across Lewisham, we’re looking for more venues to host pop-up clinics to make it easier for all communities to get the COVID-19 vaccination. If you know of a venue that might be willing to host a pop-up clinic, get in touch by emailing selccg.lewishamvaccinations@nhs.net.