Coronavirus: Weekly 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 rolling news pages at news.camden.gov.uk • Follow Twitter @CamdenCouncil and Facebook facebook.com/LBCamden • Speak to someone at the Council directly by calling 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
COVID-19 restrictions You must work from home if you can
You can socialise outdoors in a group of 6 people or 2 households
Only socialise indoors with your household or bubble
Gyms and swimming pools have reopened for using alone or with your household
Pubs and restaurants have reopened with outdoor service only - please enjoy them safely
For more information, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
COVID-19 vaccine
Aged 45 or over? You’re now eligible Book your appointment now at nhs.uk/ coronavirusvaccine or call 119 for free.
Having the COVID-19 vaccine during Ramadan
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and free from animal products. If you’re observing Ramadan, having the vaccine won’t invalidate the fast. If you are invited for your vaccine, please don’t delay having it because it could save your life. If you have any concerns about getting the vaccine while fasting, please speak to your GP or vaccinator.
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
The UK independent medicines regulator the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) has extensively reviewed all evidence around the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and reiterated that it remains safe and effective. This follows a very small number of people developing ‘extremely rare and unlikely to occur’ blood clots after having that vaccine. Please continue to get the vaccine when you’re eligible, but if you’re one of a small number of people who are at a higher risk of blood clots due to an existing medical condition, please discuss any concerns with your GP and tell your vaccinator before having it. If you’re under 30 with no underlying conditions, you should be offered an alternative vaccine as a precautionary measure. Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine at nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine
Nominate a local
As restrictions are eased further it is hopeful to see more people able to go back to work and safely reconnect with friends and family. Camden’s high streets and town centres are at the heart of Camden’s community and economy, and we know many businesses continue to face huge challenges. As a council, we are working to support our local businesses, so they recover and help contribute to our thriving community. You can support Camden’s local businesses by shopping locally and, if you’re heading to the high street or a local business this weekend, please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering, unless exempt, and wash or sanitise your hands frequently. As we open up it is very important to keep taking precautions so thank you for helping to keep our borough safe. If you own a local business, see below for details of financial support, and you can access our updated toolkit to help you reopen and operate in a COVID-secure way at camden.gov.uk/business-support I would like to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all of our Muslim communities observing Ramadan, we are grateful to your help in continuing to follow the public health guidelines so we can protect each other. Ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on Saturday, we again express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and Royal Family. Camden residents can show their respects by signing the online book of condolence at royal.uk Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Help stop the spread of COVID-19: book a rapid test
Everyone in Camden is now eligible for two, free lateral flow COVID-19 tests a week. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Help stop the spread of coronavirus and book regular tests. You can book an in-person test at one of Camden’s 8 community test sites. Home test kits are also available for pickup or, if you’re over 18, you can order one for home delivery at gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapidlateral-flow-tests • All tests are free • You must not have any COVID-19 symptoms • You can expect results in 45 minutes • If you develop symptoms, self-isolate & book a PCR test through the NHS To find out more, visit camden.gov.uk/rapidtest or call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
Join Camden’s COVID-19 Q&A
Sign up now to join Camden’s COVID-19 Q&A and have your questions answered by the Leader of Camden Council, Camden’s Director of Public Health, local doctors, and community leaders. Hosted by the Camden New Journal and its Editor Richard Osley, the online Q&A will be held on Monday 26 April, from 6 to 7.30pm. To join, please visit camden-covid19-q-and-a.eventbrite.co.uk
Grant funding available to support local businesses
Camden council is supporting local businesses to reopen with applications open for the following grants:
£ Restart grants:
One-off payments up to £18,000 to support non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care businesses. To check eligibility and apply, visit gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youreeligible-for-a-coronavirus-restart -grant
Has a local organisation or group of people made a big difference in your community since the pandemic began? Nominate them to be recognised for their efforts. Email camdentalking@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 4444 (option 6) with your nomination.
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
One-off payments up to £12,000 available with priority given to businesses that have not been eligible or received any grant funding during lockdown.
For more information, visit camden.gov.uk/business-support or call 020 7974 4444
organisation or group
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
Additional Restriction Support grants (round 2):