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 • Check the Council’s news pages at news.camden.gov.uk • Follow Twitter @CamdenCouncil • Speak to someone at the Council directly on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus enewsletter at camden.gov.uk/ coronavirus-updates
For many, 2020 will have been the hardest year they’ve ever had to face. People have dealt with unimaginable hardship and loss, and many have gone long periods without seeing loved ones. As we begin 2021, it’s clear the tough times are by no means over. Infection rates are increasing sharply and so it’s now more important than ever that we follow public health advice, including staying at home as much as possible and getting tested if you develop symptoms. Due to the high infection rate, it has just been announced there will be a staggered return to school for secondary school pupils, prioritising exam year groups’ return, and also to allow more time for schools to prepare and to test as many students and staff as possible when they return. This is a rapidly changing situation and your child’s school will be in touch with you directly about arrangements for the new term through their usual channels. This year many of us have experienced the incredible community spirit across Camden. Neighbours looking out for one another, the response of our amazing community organisations, people doing whatever they can to keep their loved ones and communities safe, and of course, our incredible frontline workers keeping the borough running. For all this I want to say thank you. I am proud to call Camden my home and to represent you all. I wish you and your family a safe and peaceful new year. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Keep following Tier 4: Stay at home advice The number of people testing positive for coronavirus is rising rapidly in London. This means you’re at a higher risk of catching coronavirus. Please keep following Tier 4 restrictions and public health advice to keep yourself, your loved ones and community safe: tay at home unless leaving the house for a permitted reason S – e.g. food, medical reasons, work or to exercise. You must work from home if you can Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds 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 ou can only meet one person from another household in an Y outdoor public space.
STAY AT HOME For the latest Government guidelines, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
Got coronavirus symptoms? Get tested If you develop coronavirus symptoms (new, persistent cough; high temperature; loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste), self-isolate and get tested. Tests are free and accessible to everyone at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. To book an appointment at Ramsay Hall test site only, you can also call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) – this option is recommended if you also need help accessing support.
Share your thoughts on testing and self-isolating Camden Council has developed a survey to find out what you think about COVID-19 testing and self-isolating – take part at camden.gov.uk/covid19testsurvey
Celebrating New Year’s Eve safely
Food support in Camden
It’s vital that you celebrate New Year’s Eve in line with Tier 4 restrictions to keep yourself and everyone you live with safe. Only celebrate at home or in your garden with people you live with – or, if you live alone, with your support bubble. Consider celebrating virtually with friends and family this year.
This has been a really difficult year for everyone. If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family, or you know someone who is, there is help available. Camden has amazing community organisations that are providing food support across the borough. Find the one that’s closest or best suited to you at findfood.camden.gov.uk While not all of these are open over the new year period, you can also access urgent food support by calling 020 7974 4444 and selecting option 9.
Do not attend or host a party or gathering unless it’s with people you live with or those in your support bubble. You can only spend time outdoors with people you live with, your support bubble or one person from outside your household.
Please be aware that travelling to pick up food parcels is allowed in Tier 4.
Shopping for New Year’s Eve essentials? Follow public health advice and in-store guidance, stay 2 metres apart from people you don’t live with, and wear a face covering, unless exempt.
If you would like to make a financial donation directly to a Camden food bank, or if your business can donate food, time or supplies, please visit findfood.camden.gov.uk/donate
Please think twice about organising an at-home fireworks display. Fireworks are dangerous and you could put yourself and others at serious risk of injury.
If you would like to donate to the London-wide Covid Community Campaign, the proceeds of which go to organisations tackling food poverty, please visit covidcommunitycampaign.co.uk
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
020 7974 4444 (option 9)