COVID-19 in Lewisham - 11 December update

Rising rates in London

In most London boroughs, including Lewisham, more people tested positive for COVID-19 than last week, which is a real concern for all Londoners.

It is thought that as many as 1 in 3 who have COVID-19 don’t display symptoms, so these increasing rates are just an indication of how widespread the virus is within our community. To protect ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable in our community, we must take extra care as we approach the holidays. I’ll be releasing a video early next week with some ideas on how you can safely prepare for the festive season.

The more we move around and mix with others in public settings, the greater the risk of spreading the virus and this is a reminder for all of us to be aware of the symptoms. If you feel unwell or have symptoms, the most important thing you can do is to get a test. Go to nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

Getting a test has never been so quick and easy in Lewisham. Alongside testing sites in Catford and Deptford, a new Local Testing Unit is now open seven days a week at Molesworth Car Park (Molesworth St, London SE13 7DS) from 8am to 8pm every day.

The vaccination is coming

It was good to see the first people being vaccinated this week. It’s still early days but this marks a huge step forward in our response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Having an effective vaccine is a really important tool that we have to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19 so, at the right time, I would encourage everyone to come forward for the COVID-19 vaccination. I have communicated with our COVID-19 Community Champions about the vaccination this week and will be continuing to provide them with up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccination in the coming weeks.

For most Londoners it will be some months before they are contacted by the NHS and asked to go and get their jab, so we need to be patient and keep safe – and we will still need to self-isolate and get tested if we experience symptoms of COVID-19.

The prioritisation that has been agreed for the roll out of the vaccination does recognise those with underlying health conditions, who are more at risk to the virus. So for all of those residents in Lewisham that have vulnerabilities to COVID-19, I think this week brings positive news that a much-awaited vaccination is coming soon.

In the meantime, it’s down to everyone in Lewisham – especially those who are fit and well - to do their bit to protect those in our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Keep up those everyday actions that make such a difference – wear a face covering, wash your hands and keep a safe 2m distance.

Improving our understanding of COVID-19 in Lewisham

In care homes, schools and universities rapid COVID-19 tests – lateral flow tests – are being introduced to help us learn more about the prevalence of the virus and help us better respond to outbreaks.

In preparation for students to return home, Goldsmiths have been testing staff and students delivering results within hours. Next week, the Council will work with one of our special educational needs schools in Lewisham to introduce targeted COVID-19 testing for staff using the rapid, lateral flow tests that will deliver quick results for those who don’t have symptoms.

Finally, the results are in and over 94% of those who responded to survey indicated that they would take a rapid, lateral flow test.