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COVID-19 numbers are very high and rising in Southwark. Our rates are among the highest in the country. To help slow the spread and protect you and your loved ones:
- Please think carefully about who you see over Christmas
- Only meet up with the people most important to you and think twice before meeting vulnerable friends and family members
- Do a lateral flow test before seeing others and, where possible, meet outside
- Stay at home if you test positive or feel unwell
- Get vaccinated – first, second or booster
- Remember to work from home if you can.
If you’re aged 18+ and it’s three months since your second COVID-19 vaccine dose you can get your booster jab, which is the best protection against the Omicron variant.
It is one year since the first people got their vaccine. In the UK over 51 million people have had their first dose and over 47 million have had two doses. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and the best defence against COVID-19.
There are a number of extra walk-in vaccination clinics in Peckham this week, offering first, second and booster jabs.
There are lots of ways to get a lateral flow test in Southwark (if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms), including:
You can also order tests to be delivered to your home.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new cough or a change to sense of taste or smell) you should self-isolate and book a PCR COVID-19 test.
You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site.
If you have COVID-19 you can self-isolate for seven days, if you are negative on day six and seven using a lateral flow test. If you still have symptoms, continue self-isolating. If you end isolation on day seven you should to limit contact with vulnerable people, not visit crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and work from home. If you are in close contact with someone with COVID-19 but don’t test positive, or are not double-vaccinated you must continue to isolate for 10 days.
Get support if you’re under increased financial pressure due to COVID-19. Advice includes applying for Universal Credit, what to do if you can’t pay your rent, Council Tax, or homeowner annual and major works service charges, and COVID-19 self-isolation payments.
All children aged between 12 and 17 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Most children aged 12 to 15 will be offered first and second doses in school, but if you have missed that opportunity you can go to a walk-in clinic or book online.
Second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for 16 and 17-year-olds
If you’re 16 or 17-years-old you can book a second dose, for 12 weeks after your first dose. If you’re at higher risk from COVID-19, you can get a second dose at a walk-in vaccination site from eight weeks after your first dose.
If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, or you’re a contact of a positive case, local or national contact tracers should be in touch. However, if you’ve had a positive test please help by telling any recent close contacts as soon as possible. You should also complete contact tracing information on the national test and trace system as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is not able to get or afford enough food to meet basic needs, or require emergency food support, please contact Community Support Alliance. This includes if you are self-isolating or housebound and are unable to order food online.
Over 2,000 steward volunteers are needed every day to help others.
No changes to bin collections over Christmas and New Year
Over the Christmas and New Year period, your rubbish, recycling, food and garden waste collection will take place on your normal scheduled day.
Free helpline for parents or carers of children aged three or under with breathing illnesses
You can use the helpline if you’re an adult seeking asylum or a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic parent or carer. Get advice if your child has a cough, cold or chest infection. You can speak to an advisor over the phone using a translator if needed on 080 0151 2605, Monday to Saturdays.
Joint estate inspections with residents
We are offering residents the opportunity to join the monthly estate inspections with council officers and contractors to make sure your estate is clean, safe and well cared for. You can join the estate inspection for your area by contacting your resident services officer.
Get free online support to improve your health
If you want to quit smoking, eat more healthily, lose weight, move more or take care of your mind, try our digital health coach to help improve your life. You’ll be asked where you want to make changes to improve your health and will be directed to local support to help you achieve your goals.
School admissions consultation 2023/24
We are currently consulting on the proposed admission arrangements for community primary schools and the co-ordinated admission schemes for the academic year 2023/24. Please submit your comments and views before the consultation closes at 12pm on 14 January 2022.
Help for your money worries
Have you got money-related worries like losing a job, working less hours, overdue bills, increasing debt or awaiting for a benefit decision? Get straightforward, practical advice about where you can go for support with this new app.
Mayor of London visits new council houses in Bermondsey
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, visited our new council houses in Welsford Street, South Bermondsey, to celebrate the latest figures on council house building in London.
Children in care need foster carers
We are looking for foster carers to make a difference to the lives of Southwark children in care. Get in touch to arrange an appointment to find out more. |