COVID-19: Update from Camden Council Need support? Camden Council is here for you Job search CVs Job s application s Interview
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Visit camden.gov.uk/advice Call 020 7974 4444 (option 9) This will be the last fortnightly COVID-19 update from Camden Council – however, we’re still here for you. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to get in touch on the contact details above. You can sign up to the Council’s enewsletter at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
Spring COVID-19 boosters for over 75s and people at higher risk Spring booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are being offered to people who are: •
aged 75 and over
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care home residents
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immunosuppressed and aged 12 and over
The NHS will contact you to book your appointment. To find out more, visit nhs.uk/covid-booster If you’re yet to have your COVID-19 booster, a first or second dose, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. There are walk-in options available at vaccination clinics and pharmacies across Camden, or you can also visit the Council’s vaccine bus in the following locations between 11am and 4pm: •
Camden Market Swiss Cottage, Eton Avenue, NW3 3EU: Thursday 31 March, Friday 1 and Saturday 2 April
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Outside West Hampstead Thameslink, Iverson Road, NW3 2RB: Thursday 7 April
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Outside Holly Lodge Estate, Makepeace Avenue, N6 6HL: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 April Scan the code For more locations, visit to book your camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine vaccine appointment
Think you have COVID-19? Avoid contact with others While you’re no longer legally required to self-isolate, if you develop any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 or generally feel unwell, you are strongly encouraged to stay at home for at least five days, avoid contact with others if you can and get a free PCR test. If you have access to lateral flow tests, take one on day 5 and day 6 and if it’s negative and your temperature has gone, you are no longer likely to be infectious so can see other people again. To find out more, visit nhs.uk/coronavirus
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus
A message from Camden’s Director of Public Health
I want to thank everyone in Camden – by following public health guidelines throughout the pandemic so far, you have undoubtedly helped to save lives. Last week marked two years since the first lockdown – a time to collectively remember those who’ve died, and to reflect and pay tribute to the support offered by so many across Camden and beyond. Rates of COVID-19 in the community remain high, although, as throughout the pandemic, Camden continues to have lower rates than the London average. There are steps we can all still take to help us live safely with the virus.
Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way you can protect yourself and others. Vaccination is safe and reduces both the risk of transmission and serious illness. If you have questions about the vaccine, there is information at nhs.uk/coronavirus or you can speak to the vaccinator when you visit a walk-in clinic or book an appointment. I also strongly encourage you to wear a face covering on public transport and in busy indoor places, ensure good ventilation and practise good hand hygiene, which remain effective in preventing transmission. Together we can continue to take small actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. Thank you once again. Kirsten Watters FFPH, Director of Public Health, Camden Council
Easter food support and holiday activities If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and have children aged up to 18, or your child attends a Camden school and receives free school meals, you will receive a letter from Camden Council in the first week of April with government-funded supermarket vouchers to support the cost of food over the Easter holiday. If you don’t have internet access or can’t download the voucher, your local library or children’s centre can help. If the letter does not arrive, or you need any other support, call 020 7974 4444 (option 9). Camden’s Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme offers a wide range of free activities, with food, for eligible five to 16-year-olds from 4 to 14 April, usually 10am to 3pm. Places are free for children eligible for free school meals. Visit youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/haf
Support with energy bills If you are the council tax payer and live in a property in council tax bands A to D, you may be eligible for a one-off £150 government-funded Council Tax Energy Rebate to help with rising energy costs. If you pay council tax by Direct Debit, you will receive the payment into your bank account automatically by mid-April – or by early May if you recently set up the Direct Debit. If you receive Council Tax Support, you will receive a letter with a code to get the money from the Post Office in mid-April. If you do not pay by Direct Debit or receive Council Tax Support, claims for payments will open in mid-April. If you’re not eligible for this payment, you may still be able to get a one-off discretionary payment from the Council – including if you are experiencing financial hardship. Applications for this will be open in mid-April and you will be able to apply online or by phone. For full eligibility criteria or for more information, visit camden.gov.uk/energyrebate
020 7974 4444 (option 9)