COVID-19 in Lewisham - 13 May update

Enjoying time outside in nature for mental health awareness week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the focus this year is on connecting with nature. The week has been a great reminder about the impact that nature has on our wellbeing, particularly over the challenges of the past year. Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week on the Mental Health Foundation's website.

As we have been spending more time outdoors when meeting with others to reduce COVID-19 spread, it has been lovely to read the personal accounts from those in Lewisham about all of the great green spaces that we have in the borough. Read how green spaces have supported Lewisham staff's mental health and pick up some recommendations for where you can meet up with each other next.

Another cautious step forward

The Government has confirmed that from Monday (17 May) more COVID-19 restrictions will be eased across the country.

Two households, or up to six people, will be able to meet indoors, and outdoors up to 30 people will be able to get together. Overnight stays with friends and family will also be allowed and gradually, we’re seeing more countries on the ‘green list’ for foreign travel. Read more about green list countries on the Government’s website.

Though welcome news, it’s important to remember that there is still a risk of COVID-19, particularly with the emergence of new variants. Please continue to think about all of the measures you can take to keep safe as you get together.

• Even if you feel confident to change your level of social contact in line with the changes, please be sensitive to those who may still want to be cautious.
• Open the windows if you’re meeting indoors – keeping fresh air circulating will reduce the risk of spreading or catching the virus.
• Keep up the hand washing – it is second nature for us now, but even as the risk of COVID-19 reduces, regularly washing or sanitising our hands helps prevent the spread of many viruses, including colds so it’s a good habit to stick with.
• Face coverings will still be required in many venues and on public transport. Again, be respectful to those around you who may be taking their first tentative steps towards returning to high streets and busier public places, and may be reassured to see others wearing face coverings responsibly.

As events and activities start to resume across London, more people will want to travel using public transport. Remember to plan in advance, allow plenty of time for your journey and bring your face covering and hand sanitiser when you travel.

Vaccination and testing is ever more important as we move forward

The number of people with COVID-19 is currently low across London and Public Health England is very closely monitoring the emergence of new variants of the virus – VOCs (variants of concerns) in the capital.

Whilst the infection rate remains fairly stable, we should expect to see some increases in people testing positive as restrictions are eased. Some of the most important things that we can continue to do as we move forward are to take up the offer of the vaccination when it is offered to you and to take part in regular testing.

A new South East London website has been launched to provide you with factual information on the COVID-19 vaccination from trusted sources. The site also has information on how you can access the vaccination and local experiences of community members taking up the vaccine. Please have a look and share the site link with others. Find out more factual information on the COVID-19 vaccination on the vaccine facts website.

I continue to encourage you to take up the offer of the vaccination when offered and I am eagerly awaiting my appointment as we move towards those in my age group! I will of course be joining others to share my COVID-19 vaccination experience as part of a future blog.

Everyone should also take a rapid test twice a week and report the results online to the NHS. This testing is important even if you don’t have symptoms and if you’ve already had the vaccination.

There’s three ways to get tests in Lewisham – visit one of nearly 40 collection hubs across the borough (including test centres and pharmacies) to get a home test kit; pop into a rapid test centre in Catford or Deptford for an assisted test; or order online to have test kits delivered to your home on the Government’s website.

Find your nearest rapid testing collection hub on the NHS website.

Read more about Lewisham's rapid test centres.

The virus can, and does, continue to spread without people realising they have COVID-19. Regular testing is essential to contain the spread of infection by those testing positive and completing their self-isolation, and those that they are in close contact with doing the same. Find a range of support available to help people to self-isolate.

Thank you for all that you continue to do to keep Lewisham safe.