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 Council’s 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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London moves to Tier 4: Follow the latest advice
STAY AT HOME
With cases of coronavirus rising rapidly, on Sunday 20 December London moved to Tier 4 – the ‘stay at home’ level of local COVID alert. Restrictions include: Stay at home unless leaving the house for a permitted reason – e.g. to exercise Non-essential shops, indoor gyms, leisure and entertainment venues, and personal care services must close 4
Our move into Tier 4 last weekend will have been heartbreaking for people across Camden who had been hoping to spend time with loved ones this Christmas. Sadly though, it was necessary to stop the deadly spread of coronavirus. Along with other leaders across London, I am calling for a comprehensive support package from the Government to help businesses and residents impacted. Rapidly rising cases of coronavirus are extremely worrying and mean we all have to take action to keep ourselves, our families and each other safe. It is vital that we isolate and get tested if we have symptoms. If you are alone at Christmas or need any support, the Council and community partners are here to help – call 020 7974 4444 (option 9). I would like to thank everyone who is doing their bit, and most of all those who are on the frontline working to keep us safe. I know this is hard – but the best thing we can do is follow the rules, keep our communities safe, and look forward to a better 2021. Although Christmas will be different this year, I hope you still find a way to celebrate safely. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Got coronavirus symptoms? Get a free coronavirus test Coronavirus tests are free and available every day, including over the festive period. You can book via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. You’ll be given the option to book an appointment at a nearby test site, or you can request an at-home test kit to be posted to you.
Only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space
You can also book directly with Camden Council by calling 020 7974 4444 (option 9), which is recommended if you also need help accessing support. Please note that this number is only for booking an appointment at Ramsay Hall test site (W1T 5HB, no step-free access).
The national Christmas rules do not apply – you cannot form or join a Christmas bubble.
Celebrating Christmas safely
Do not enter or leave Tier 4 areas
For a full list of Tier 4 restrictions, visit gov.uk/coronavirus Please also be vigilant in following public health advice: • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with warm, soapy water • Keep 2 metres apart from people you don’t live with – treat everyone as if they could be infected and behave as if you may be • Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, unless exempt. You should also consider wearing a face covering in busy outdoor spaces where safe social distancing might be difficult • Work from home if you can • If you develop symptoms (new, persistent cough; high temperature; loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste), self-isolate and get tested.
Support for people experiencing domestic abuse With residents being asked to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many people may be at greater risk of domestic abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you are worried about a friend or relative’s relationship, there is support available. Contact Camden Safety Net in confidence on 020 7974 2526, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk Outside of these hours and on bank holidays, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, call 999. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Sadly anyone in a Tier 4 area (which includes Camden and London) can not now form a ‘Christmas bubble’. This means that you must not meet anyone indoors over Christmas, unless you live with them or they are in your support or childcare bubble. Please follow the restrictions carefully to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and celebrate Christmas with loved ones you don’t live with virtually instead. Thank you to all Camden’s communities for the sacrifices you’ve made this year in celebrating festivals and other special occasions in different ways.
Mental health support This has been a really difficult year and many of us will be feeling overwhelmed, anxious and scared. Please know there is help available: • Speak to your GP, visit icope.nhs.uk or phone 020 3317 6670 • Young people aged 11 to 18 can visit kooth.com for confidential online support, or go to camdenrise.co.uk/emotional-wellbeing • If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, phone the 24-hour crisis line at St Pancras Hospital on 020 3317 6333 • Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans are there to listen – call 116 123 • Visit camden.gov.uk/mental-health to find out about more help available, including advice in other languages.