COVID-19 in Lewisham - 26 February update
Earlier this week, the Government shared a roadmap for easing coronavirus restrictions. I know that this has brought hope for many after what has been a long winter, but for now, everyone in Lewisham must continue to follow the national stay at home restrictions. On Monday 8 March, pupils will start to return to classrooms and we’ve been working with schools across Lewisham to provide support with preparations. Read the full roadmap for easing coronavirus restrictions on the Government’s website.
We’re all hopeful about the gradual journey towards life returning to normal, but we must remain aware of the risks. There will be four important tests that will need to be met as we progress on this steady journey of easing restrictions. These are that we continue to roll out vaccinations successfully, that vaccines are effective in reducing the number of people going to hospital or dying from COVID-19, that infection rates do not increase to a point that would put too much pressure on the NHS, and that emerging variants do not fundamentally impact the assessment of risk.
For all of us, this means continuing the good work that has helped bring down the infection rate and doing the right thing as we cautiously start to relax the restrictions.
Keep up those everyday actions which do make a difference – wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and keep a safe 2 metre distance from others. As the milder weather arrives, remember to open your windows to let in fresh air and spend more time outdoors. You’re more likely to catch COVID-19 indoors, especially in a room with poor ventilation.
Rapid tests now available in Sydenham
From next week, there will be four rapid test centres open across the borough, meaning everyone in Lewisham will be able to easily access a rapid test. From Monday, Ignition Brewery at the Sydenham Centre will offer rapid tests six days a week (Mon - Sat) from 9.30am – 4.30pm (closing at 3.30pm on Friday and 2.30pm on Saturday).
Starting next week, we’ll also be offering evening appointments for rapid tests on Tuesday and Thursday which will be available at Deptford Lounge, Ignition Brewery at the Sydenham Centre and Civic Suite, Catford. The last appointment will be at 7pm. Following feedback from critical workers, we’re offering extended hours to make it easier to get a test.
If you’re 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. It’s recommended you take a rapid COVID-19 test twice a week to help identify anyone who may have coronavirus without realising.
Find out more and coronavirus rapid testing and book a test – or come for a walk-in appointment after 11am at Civic Suite, Catford or The Green Man, Downham.
Start a conversation with a loved one about getting the vaccination
The number of people receiving the vaccination is increasing every day, and in South East London over 420,000 have now been vaccinated.
People aged over 65, and those who are clinically vulnerable can now book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment by visiting the NHS website, or by calling 119, free of charge.
Almost three quarters of the people aged over 65 have been vaccinated in South East London. The vaccination is also been offered to adults aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions, including those who have recently been added to the clinically extremely vulnerable list and told to shield. Frontline health or social care workers, carers - including unpaid or unregistered carers – can also book their vaccine on the NHS website.
The COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best protection from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives. When you’re invited for vaccination, make sure you attend your booked appointments.
Lewisham’s residents want to be reassured on the vaccination’s safety by people they trust – their own doctor or a close friend or family member. Sitting down to talk through any concerns is an important way to help everyone understand why it is so important to get the vaccination. If you’ve had the vaccination, please talk about your experience. Your words can help to reassure other people who may be still be concerned.
We’ll be continuing to support community conversations about the COVID-19 vaccination. I want to ensure that residents have an opportunity to have their questions addressed. In the next few weeks we will be hosting two further webinars on the COVID-19 vaccination specifically for our resettled refugee and Black communities. Find out more information on our vaccination webinars.