Get your COVID-19 vaccination this week

COVID-19 rates are rising across London. It’s important to get vaccinated if you’re eligible and to keep getting tested regularly.

Over 40? Get your first or second dose at a walk-in clinic this week

There are walk-in vaccination clinics across Southwark this week for people aged 40+.

• If you’re aged 40+ and have not have the COVID-19 vaccine you can get your first dose at
  a walk-in clinic this week.
• You can also go to a walk-in clinic for your second dose if it is 8 weeks or more since your
  first AstraZeneca dose and you don’t have your second dose booked.
• You don’t need an appointment and the vaccine is free to everyone.
• You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

Don’t miss your second COVID-19 vaccine dose

The Delta variant now makes up 96% of new cases. After only one dose, the vaccines are around 26% to 40% effective at reducing symptomatic disease from the Delta variant. After two doses, the vaccines are estimated to be between 76% and 84% effective against symptomatic disease.

If you book online, you’ll need to book appointments for both doses. If you have your first dose through your GP surgery, you’ll be contacted when it’s time to book your second dose.

Survey: Let’s talk about life after COVID-19

Help us shape Southwark into an even better place to live, work and enjoy life. Give us your thoughts as we plan what the borough should look and feel like as we work to recover from the last 15 months. Survey closes 30 July.

Rotherhithe Festival returns on 7 August

The Rotherhithe Festival will return to King George’s Fields, SE16 on Saturday 7 August. It’s a great day of free music with food, drink and rides and attractions for children, starting at 11.30am and finishing at 8.30pm.

Aged 14+? Come to our Youth New Deal launch event

Aged 14+ and live in Southwark? White Yardie will be hosting our online youth event to launch Southwark’s ‘Youth New Deal’ on 8 July 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The Youth New Deal puts young people at the heart of decision-making in Southwark. Come to the event to hear from some great speakers, have your say and share your views. Contact youthserviceinfo@southwark.gov.uk to book your place now!

Check out this promotional video to find out more: https://youtu.be/x5XGPO2_JaU

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone expands from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle?

The central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding to create a single, larger zone up to (but not including) the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards but you can check your vehicle now.  

Thank you to the emergency services

Following the fire in Elephant & Castle on Monday our huge thanks go to the London Fire Brigade and the emergency services for all their efforts to keep everyone safe. Our thanks also go to residents for staying calm and to council officers who supported them.

Free family fun fitness classes

Work on your fitness and create a balanced lifestyle for you and your family with a range of classes to choose from, including Zumba and family yoga. Join in our free classes, running from 22 June to 1 October,  aimed at families with young children. For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/familyfunfitness or pre-book your place now.

Job and career support for 16 to 25 year olds

We’re linking young people with jobs, training, career support and educational opportunities to help them achieve a bright future. Sign up now to get jobs, training and education opportunities by email.

Elephant and Castle statue returns

Elephant and Castle’s much-loved elephant statue was given a big welcome back on Saturday. The statue, which used to stand outside the shopping centre, has been restored and can now be found in Castle Square. The statue will stay at Castle Square while the new Elephant and Castle town centre development is completed. Find out more about the regeneration of Elephant and Castle.

Food growing on Southwark housing estates

Would you like to grow food in new growing spaces or community gardens? Southwark’s community gardening coordinators will help groups of residents look at potential sites and develop projects. If interested, find out how to apply or email us for more information.

Funding available to improve our high streets

Do you have a great idea to revitalise our town centres? Apply to The High Street Recovery Fund to have the chance to bring your big idea to life, shape our high streets, support local businesses and bring long term benefits to Southwark. Application deadline is 27 July.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week

There are increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Southwark and it’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:

• Visit a testing site at London Bridge or Bournemouth Road in Peckham
• Order tests to be delivered to your home
• Pick up a test from your local library
• Get a test at a pharmacy

How to book a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19

It’s essential that you get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You and anyone you live with should stay at home until you get your test result. Only leave your home to have a test. Find out how to book a COVID-19 test at a local testing site or order a home testing kit.

Please keep following the rules

Despite the success of the vaccine rollout, COVID-19 cases are rising again in Southwark. It is vital that we continue to follow the current guidance. This means:

• work at home if you can
• washing our hands regularly
• keeping our distance from others (only mixing inside in groups of up to six or two households)
• wearing a face covering when required (unless you’re exempt).

The government has confirmed they plan to lift restrictions on 19 July. Check all the current rules.