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 • Check out 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 at camden. gov.uk/coronavirusupdates
First and foremost, I want to send my best wishes to everyone in Camden for a merry Christmas and a happy new year. I also want to say a massive thank you – your actions this year in responding to the continued threat of COVID-19 have undoubtedly saved lives. Clearly though, with the Omicron COVID-19 variant on a rapid rise, we all need to keep taking great care in the days and weeks ahead. As Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, has recommended, think very carefully about how and where you’re socialising, make spending time with those that matter most to you your priority, and if you can avoid unnecessary gatherings, please do. Good choices, for example getting a rapid test to check you’re COVID-free before you meet others and wearing face coverings in busy public places, will help to save lives. As essential as those actions are, however, getting fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as you can is still the most effective thing that you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community around you. Find out how below. We continue to support our local businesses, many of whom are still being impacted greatly by the pandemic, and will work closely with them to roll out the new package of support in the coming weeks. Whilst I am wishing everyone a safe and peaceful period, I do appreciate that, for lots of reasons, this is not always an easy time of year. So if you find yourself in need of help over this time, please get in touch – there is support available, details of which are below. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Celebrate safely over the holidays Omicron cases remain high across London, so whatever your plans over the festive season, here are some tips to celebrate safely: • Get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can – whether it’s a 1st, 2nd or booster, every dose helps give you extra protection. Visit camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine or call 119 • Take regular rapid tests to check you’re COVID-free – particularly before meeting others indoors, including older or more at-risk family and friends. Test kits continue to be restocked, so check with your local pharmacies or book a pick-up or delivery slot at gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests • Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in busy indoor and outdoor public spaces, unless exempt • When meeting others indoors, open windows regularly to let fresh air in • Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser while you’re out • If you are heading out to an event or venue, be prepared – download or save your COVID-pass to your smartphone before you go. Find out more at nhs.uk/nhs-app • If you’re shopping for last-minute gifts, there’s great Save a life options at small businesses in your local area. Walk or cycle to your high street or shop safely online via don’t risk a life myvirtualneighbourhood.com/camden-gifts
Get your COVID-19 vaccine now Getting both doses of the vaccine, plus a booster gives you the best protection against COVID-19 and serious illness. Everyone aged 12 and over is eligible to get vaccinated. If you’re 18 and over and had your second dose over 2 months ago, you can book your booster appointment online. If it’s been 3 months or more, you can also get your booster at a walk-in clinic. Demand for vaccinations is high, so if queues are long, please be patient and keep trying, more appointments are being made available all the time. Find your closest walk-in vaccination site at nhs.uk/servicesearch/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site When you get the booster, it may be a different vaccine to the one you had for your first and second doses. Please be reassured that this approach to boosters has been authorised by UK vaccine experts because it’s safe and effective. If you have any questions, please speak to your vaccinator.
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Please get in touch if you need help and support If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is a range of help and support available in Camden: • For mental health advice, visit camden.gov.uk/mental-health Young people can also visit kooth.com or camdenrise.co.uk/ emotional-wellbeing for advice. • For support with energy bills and help accessing benefits and discounts, visit camden.gov.uk/staywarm
• I f you’re worried about money or debt, find out how to access a range of benefits, grants and discounts at camden.gov.uk/ finances
• For support with domestic violence and abuse, contact Camden Safety Net on 020 7974 2526 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk or visit camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence For more information on a range of issues, visit camden.gov.uk/advice or call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). You can also call Camden Advice Network on 0808 278 7855.
Food vouchers for Camden families COVID-19 has left many families struggling financially, and Camden Council is committed to helping over the winter. If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and have dependent children up to the age of 18, or if your child attends a Camden school and receives free school meals, you should have received a letter about Governmentfunded supermarket vouchers to support the cost of food over the Christmas break. 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 letter hasn’t arrived, or if you need any other support to access food, please call the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).