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).
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New rules for meeting outdoors You can now meet with more people outdoors – gatherings of up to 6 people or 2 households are allowed, including in private gardens. Organised outdoor sport is also allowed. Please keep following all the guidance to keep everyone safe and remember, you cannot socialise indoors with anyone outside of your household or support bubble: Keep a safe distance from anyone outside of your household or bubble
Avoid crowded areas where it may be difficult to socially distance
Wash hands regularly and use hand sanitiser
Wear a face covering in indoor public and busy outdoor spaces, unless exempt
Celebrate Easter and Passover safely
Please remember that while lockdown restrictions are slowly being eased, Camden residents are still catching coronavirus every day. If you’re celebrating Easter or Passover, please follow public health guidance to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
This week, we’ve seen more changes as the country eases out of lockdown restrictions. People can now meet outdoors in groups of up to 6 or from 2 households, and organised outdoor sport has resumed. It is a relief to be able to connect with loved ones outside, especially as the weather starts to get warmer and days are longer, but please remember that the pandemic is not over. We need to continue to follow public health guidelines, including keeping socially distanced from anyone outside of our household or bubble, not meeting up indoors and wearing a face covering in indoor and busy outdoor public spaces unless exempt. These measures will make a big difference in keeping coronavirus cases as low as possible, which in turn will mean further lockdown restrictions can be eased in the coming weeks and months. Everyone at Camden would like to wish joy to all celebrating Passover and Easter and as we move into spring we hope this will be a time of renewal and recovery for our whole community. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Rapid COVID-19 home tests for adults without symptoms Around one in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so regular rapid testing is encouraged for adults who: • Are parents, carers or in a support bubble with nursery, primary or secondary school age children • Leave home for work, care or volunteer responsibilities Free rapid COVID-19 home test kits are available for pick-up from: Swiss Cottage Library, NW3 3HA (7.30am to 2pm, Mon-Fri excluding bank holidays)
Ramsay Hall, W1T 5HB (2.30 to 8pm, every day including bank holidays)
Kingsgate Community 33-35 Jamestown Road, Centre, NW6 2JH NW1 7DB (7.30am to (2.30 to 8pm, every day 7.30pm, Mon-Fri excluding including bank holidays) bank holidays) For more information, visit camden.gov.uk/rapidtest If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate and book a free test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
Advice for people who were previously shielding Why I had the COVID-19 vaccine Professor Ed Wild is a consultant neurologist at University College London Hospital (UCLH). He’s had the vaccine and encourages you to have it too: “If, like me, you hate lockdowns, the vaccine is how we win and how we get back to normal.” Find out more about the vaccine, including current eligibility and how to book, at nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine
Nominate local organisations Local organisations and groups have worked tirelessly to support our communities since the pandemic began. You can nominate an organisation/ group to be recognised for their contributions. Email camdentalking@ camden.gov.uk, giving the reason why you are nominating them.
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
The Government recently wrote to everyone on the shielding list to say they are no longer advised to shield. If this is you, please be reassured that Camden Council is still here for you. If you need any support, call the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) or visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.
Holiday activities and food programme Camden Council and the Young Camden Foundation have launched an Easter holiday activities and food programme for 5 to 16-year-olds who receive free school meals at Camden schools, including pupils who live in neighbouring boroughs. Schools have sent letters to families to be used as evidence that children receive free school meals, allowing parents to book directly with providers. Places are limited and are booking up quickly. For more details visit camdenrise.co.uk or email info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk