COVID-19 in Lewisham - 25 March update
After a year like no other in our lifetime, I’m grateful that we had an opportunity earlier this week as part of the National Day of Reflection to remember all of the lives that have sadly been lost during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lewisham, and to reflect on all that has happened over the course of the year.
Coming into the Director of Public Health role permanently just before the start of the pandemic, I could not have imagined what the first year would involve but I am extremely proud to have been the Director of Public Health in Lewisham at this time. The borough has pulled together in an extraordinary way to support residents, families, communities and those working in the borough throughout the pandemic and is continuing to do so as we emerge from the most recent national restrictions and roll out COVID-19 vaccinations. I’d like to say a huge thank you for all of your efforts in the face of huge challenges this year. Though we still have some way to go, I’m confident that we will continue to work together as a borough to do our best to support each other over the months to come.
This weekend, national stay at home restrictions remain in place – we should only leave our homes if it is essential. The rules change slightly from Monday (29 March), when 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.
It’s great to see the hard work Lewisham’s Parks teams have put into preparing our green, open spaces to welcome everyone to enjoy the warmer weather as COVID-19 restrictions are cautiously eased.
Meeting outside in the fresh air is much safer, so please take advantage of the warmer days and arrange to catch up with friends and family in a local park. If you do visit someone in their garden next week, please remember to stay outdoors – don’t put yourself or other people at risk by going indoors.
The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Lewisham remains low and steady, but every contact that we make with people outside of our household increases the risk. Whilst the vaccination rollout continues, it is vital we each behave responsibly to stop the spread of the virus and reduce the harm COVID-19 could bring to anyone of us in Lewisham.
If you’re planning a meet up, remember hands, face, space – keeping your distance, wearing a face covering and washing your hands really does make a difference.
Getting vaccinated protects our community
Thank you to the thousands of people in Lewisham who got the COVID-19 vaccination this week. You are doing a great thing, not just for your own health, but to help look after everyone in our community.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable.
This evening (25 March) at 6–7pm, I’m hosting a free online information session open to Lewisham residents and anyone with questions about the vaccine, particularly those from Black African and Black Caribbean communities. I’ll be joined by Dr Chris Ferdinand, Dr Funmi Bajomo, Dr Chi-Chi Ekhator – local GPs and Nina Ndubuisi - one of Lewisham’s Community Champions. There’s still time to sign up to join the COVID-19 vaccination webinar or take part in a live Twitter Q&A straight after.
Do you live in Lee? If you’re eligible, you can get your COVID-19 vaccination this Saturday 27 March at the New Testament Church of God, the first of our pop-up clinics to offer the vaccination. Thank you to Bishop McLeod and all the team at the church who have generously opened their doors to make it easier for everyone in the community to get vaccinated. You can book now by email selccg.lewishamvaccinations@nhs.net or by text/WhatsApp on 07950 056560.
Pick up your home test kit
Anyone without coronavirus symptoms who needs to leave the home for work should take a rapid test twice a week. If you are out in the community or regularly coming into contact with other people, you are more at risk of spreading the virus. 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising, putting friends and families at risk.
Parents, carers and any members of a household or support bubble of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges should also get a rapid test twice a week.