COVID-19 in Lewisham - 23 December update
A sharp rise in the COVID-19 infection rate
Over the last five days, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the COVID-19 infection rate across London, which we now know is down to a new variant of the virus which seems to spread more easily.
Like neighbouring boroughs, Lewisham is now in a difficult situation with the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 having almost quadrupled over the last week.
Towards the end of the school term, it was evident the virus was spreading quickly among school-age children and young people. Now, we’re seeing an increase in the number of over 60s testing positive for COVID-19 and we know from earlier this year, this inevitably leads to more people falling seriously ill and going to hospital.
Protecting our NHS and saving lives is once again, everyone’s duty. Please stick to the rules and don’t meet up with people outside your household this Christmas. Every contact brings a risk and we already know that around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 are spreading it to friends and family without even realising.
I’ve recorded a video message with some guidance for a responsible Christmas – please take a look and share with others.
How we’re tackling the enormous challenge
Local government continues to be at the front of the fight against coronavirus and like other Directors of Public Health, I have been calling for more flexibility to introduce measures that we know will make a difference to how the virus is brought under control in our borough.
January will bring even more pressure as we know that more people will develop symptoms and need to self-isolate. This week, our Lewisham-based team supporting NHS Test and Trace successfully contacted over 92% of those who test positive in the borough to offer stay at home advice and signpost to support available. Help is available for those people who might struggle financially if they have to self-isolate and their income is reduced.
We’re monitoring capacity at our local testing centres closely and it is good to see the number of people coming forward to get a test is increasing. We’re already in discussion with the Government to introduce more testing capacity in Lewisham in case it is needed and our Community Testing Centre is almost completely fitted out ready to open in the New Year.
Lewisham’s voluntary networks will continue to offer support over the holidays to those who need to access essential food and medicine or simply need someone to talk to and would value a telephone call.
Look out for each other
So many in Lewisham are already facing an incredibly hard winter – perhaps having lost a loved one, their job, and for those living alone, the prospect of ongoing restrictions can feel very overwhelming.
After such a tough year, it is important no one feels alone. Christmas can be a lonely time and often brings stress but the coronavirus pandemic means it might be even harder for some people. Let’s be kind to ourselves and each other. Reach out to talk to someone. The NHS Good Thinking website offers some useful tips and tools to manage our own mental health and wellbeing.
Do you feel uncertain what to say to someone who you think is struggling? Knowing the most supportive things to say and do if someone is very distressed is important. Take a look at Thrive London’s guidance on how to approach conversations safely for yourself and others.
This will be my last blog of the year so I would like to wish you all a safe Christmas season and say thank you to everyone for working with us to keep Lewisham safe.