COVID-19 in Lewisham - 29 April update

Three tips to stay safe outdoors

We’re all hoping the weather is good for the upcoming long weekend. As you make plans to meet up with friends and family, please continue to stay safe and keep meetings outdoors. That could be in a garden, in the outside space of a pub or restaurant, or a park or public open space. The evidence is clear that being outdoors is safer than indoors.

COVID-19 is spread person to person among those in close contact. In fact, you’re most likely to catch the virus from people you know. The risk is higher if you’re indoors, especially in stuffy rooms with poor ventilation.

Those who have COVID-19, may not have any symptoms and you may be spreading it without realising. As they cough, sneeze, talk or even just breathe, the virus will be carried in droplets, most of which will fall to the ground but if you’re closer than 2m, these could reach your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you’re indoors, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, the virus can spread as small droplets or aerosols may stay in the air for minutes or even hours.

When you’re outdoors, fresh air moves around and helps to disperse these droplets so you’re less likely to breathe in enough droplets to become infected with COVID-19. Liquid droplets in the air that carry the virus are more likely evaporate outdoors, again reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

Here’s three tips for staying safe outdoors:

• Avoid being face-to-face if you can; walk or sit side by side, maybe find a park bench with a nice view to look out on as you chat and catch up with friends and family. It’s fully open spaces that are safest.
• Wear your face covering if you’re waiting at a bus stop or walking through an undercover street market where the air isn’t circulating as freely and you might not be able to maintain a safe distance from others.
• Think about how long you spend with other people when you meet outdoors. Shorter catch ups for a walk and a chat are undoubtedly safer than spending a whole afternoon or evening sitting as a group. Fleeting encounters where you pass someone on the pavement are less risky than spending longer periods of time with other people.

Is it your turn for the COVID-19 vaccination?

Everyone aged 42 and over is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re included in this age group, you should book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119, free of charge.

Many people may now be approaching the 12-week date when their second dose is due. Be assured that the NHS will get in touch when it’s time for you to come for your appointment. Please do your best to stick to the appointment time you’re given. If you’re not well or you can’t make it, do get in touch with your GP so an alternative time can be found.

It’s really important to have both doses of the vaccination to get maximum protection.