COVID-19 in Lewisham - 22 January update

The COVID-19 infection rate remains high in Lewisham and we are seeing relatively high rates in those aged over 60. If you are older, you are more at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or are very obese (a BMI of 40 or above). It is very important to take steps to keep yourself safe – regularly wash your hands, wear a face covering and maintain a safe 2m distance.

Everyone in Lewisham – of all ages - has a collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable – follow the rules to help keep those who are more vulnerable safe. Our hospitals continue to be under significant pressure and we must do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 vaccination saves a life every minute

More GP surgeries and health centres are offering the COVID-19 vaccination in Lewisham and to date, over 80,000 vaccinations have been delivered in South East London.

The roll out across England has got off to an incredible start and the NHS is currently vaccinating 140 people every minute. If the NHS can continue the pace of the vaccination programme, it will save a life every minute.

The NHS has a clear priority for those who need to be vaccinated first in order to save lives:

1. Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults.
2. All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers.
3. All those 75 years of age and over.
4. All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

It is important to start with these four priority groups as these include 88% of those who have died from COVID-19. So far, across South East London 33% of people in these four priority groups have already been vaccinated, which is great progress.

Please be patient and wait for the NHS to contact you when you are eligible for the vaccination. When it is your turn, please take up the offer. The COVID-19 vaccination is safe, and it is saving lives.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our survey on the COVID-19 vaccination. We want to know more about how people will respond to the invitation when it’s their time for the COVID-19 vaccination, so we’re asking residents to complete this short survey. Please take a few moments to complete the survey and share it with others so we can gather views from across Lewisham’s diverse community.

For accurate, up to date information on the vaccination programme and answers to some commonly asked questions, visit the NHS South East London CCG website.

We will also be running a further COVID-19 vaccination webinar on Thursday 28 January 2021 between 6-7pm to provide up-to-date factual information about the vaccination and answer your questions. Visit this webpage for further details on the webinar and how you can join.

Rapid testing coming to the Green Man, Downham

Lewisham Council is offering rapid COVID-19 tests to anyone without coronavirus symptoms who needs to leave the home for work.

If you are working outside of your home, out in the community or coming into contact with customers, you are thought to be more at risk of spreading the virus. We’re recommending you should get tested twice a week to reduce this risk.

Thank you to the over 3,000 Lewisham residents who have already taken a rapid test. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about the quick and easy process. In response to demand, we’re planning to open more test centres across the borough. Of course, getting tested isn’t a green light to relax about the rules, it remains important for everyone to continue to follow the stay at home restrictions and keep up the everyday actions - hands, face, space.

1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising, putting their friends and families at risk. Rapid, or lateral flow tests can help us identify those individuals who may have COVID-19 without symptoms and this is an important step in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Book a rapid COVID-19 test here.

You will be able to choose an appointment at the Civic Suite, Catford or The Green Man, Downham (opens Monday 25 January). Rapid tests are available everyday (including weekends), 10am-4pm. Book an appointment in advance. Some walk-in slots may be available – please check the website before coming to a Rapid Test Centre.