COVID-19: Update from Camden Council For the latest information and support from Camden Council and its partners, including updates to services: • Visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus – includes information in different languages • Check the news pages at news.camden.gov.uk • Follow Twitter @CamdenCouncil, Facebook facebook.com/LBCamden and Instagram @WeMakeCamden • Speak to someone at the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus enewsletter for regular service updates, news and support at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates
As we move further into autumn and towards winter, COVID-19 cases in Camden and across London and the country are still high. It’s really important that when many of us are getting together more, including for Halloween this week, for Bonfire Night, or if you’re celebrating Diwali next week, we are doing everything we can to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 as well as other viruses. This includes celebrating outdoors where possible. Please get your COVID-19 vaccination, including booster if you are eligible. If you have questions about the vaccine, please speak to your GP or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus Please also book your flu vaccination if you are eligible, because having COVID-19 and flu at the same time can make you seriously ill – details below.
Help keep Camden safe
Thank you for also continuing to follow the ‘hands, face, space, fresh air and testing’ public health guidance. Every bit you are doing is making a real difference in helping to keep us all safe.
There are simple steps we can all take to help protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and other viruses that spread more easily in autumn and winter: • Get your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can, including booster if eligible (details below) • Get your flu vaccination if eligible. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife to book – more information at nhs.uk/flujab • Take regular rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests twice a week – find out more at camden.gov.uk/rapidtest • If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, stay at home and take a PCR test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 • Wear a face covering in indoor and busy outdoor public spaces including shops, pubs, restaurants and on public transport, unless exempt • Socialise outdoors where possible – if socialising indoors, keep windows and doors open • Stay a safe distance from others where possible • Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly
Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
COVID-19 vaccine Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, plus a booster if eligible, is the best way to protect yourself and others. Booster vaccinations are currently being offered to those most at risk from COVID-19 who had their second dose at least six months ago, including: • Anyone aged 50+ • All frontline health and social care workers • Anyone aged 16+ with underlying health conditions, or who cares for someone with underlying health conditions. To get your COVID-19 vaccine: • Book online at nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine or call 119 • Find out about walk-in options across the borough and Camden’s vaccination bus, offering booked and walk-in appointments, at camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Take a rapid test before returning to school Parents and carers are reminded to check their primary and secondary school-aged children are COVID-free by helping them to take a rapid, lateral flow COVID-19 test the night before school returns. If the test is positive, please stay at home and book a PCR test within 48 hours to confirm the result at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Everyone in your household will need to self-isolate for 10 days unless they are under 18 or fully vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if you test negative.
Food vouchers for Camden families COVID-19 has left many families finding it hard to afford the weekly shop and Camden Council is committed to helping families through the winter. If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and have dependent children under 18, or if your child attends a Camden school and receives free school meals, you should receive a letter about Government-funded supermarket vouchers to support the cost of food over half-term. If you don’t have access to the internet or can’t download the voucher, your local library or children’s centre can help. If the voucher hasn’t arrived, or if you need support to access food, please call the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
Have your say on education in Camden The COVID-19 pandemic has touched the lives of every child and family in Camden. To respond to the challenges schools in Camden face as a result of the pandemic and beyond, Camden Council and Camden Learning have developed a draft Education Strategy. This will make sure schools can be in the best position to prepare children and young people for learning, higher education, training and work. Have your say on the strategy by 6 December at camdeneducationstrategy.commonplace.is