National lockdown - please stay safe, stay at home

On Monday evening, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown in response to the high rise in the cases of Covid-19 across the UK. This means major restrictions on all of our lives, and a switch back to the “stay at home” requirement that was in place last spring. This is an even more challenging time than the first wave of Covid-19, with more cases of the virus and more people in hospital, we are therefore being asked to stay at home.

The new restrictions allow people to leave home only to:

·         Go to work if you absolutely cannot work from home

·         Exercise once a day in your local area

·         Seek medical care or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

·         Care for vulnerable people or to provide or seek childcare

·         And for a small number of other exemptions listed at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Primary and secondary schools have switched to remote learning apart from for vulnerable children and the children of key workers and this is in place until at least February half-term.

Please continue to follow the public health advice:

Wear a mask, stay at least 2 metres distance from anyone not in your household and wash your hands regularly.

If you have symptoms, please follow the NHS advice and get a test. The council has also now rolled out testing for those without symptoms in sites across Lambeth – you can find out more here.

Stay safe, stay at home and together we will get through the coming months

Useful contacts:

You can access support for yourself or a vulnerable person, whether on mental health, finances, employment or support for young people on the council website: https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

The Lambeth Larder website has an extensive directory of organisations and local community groups which can offer help, support & advice: www.lambethlarder.org

If you need to contact the council regarding services, Lambeth residents can contact the main contact centre on 020 7926 1000. If a face to face appointment is essential it can be arranged via 020 7926 9094, or by emailing lambethcustomerservices@lambeth.gov.uk

If someone you know requires urgent support please see the council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) get urgent help for you or someone you know webpage.

The NHS is still open. All residents are urged to continue to access the NHS services that they may need including urgent and emergency services. You can access NHS services via the NHS App or www.nhs.uk/health-at-home.

Book a rapid Covid-19 test if you have no symptoms

This article can be found at:  https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/book-rapid-covid-19-test-if-you-have-no-symptoms?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but they can still pass it on. You can get a quick free test at a local site in Lambeth to check if you have Covid-19, with results usually returned to you within an hour. 

These rapid tests are an important part of reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Lambeth as it will help to identify people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms but who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly. By getting tested and self-isolating if you have Covid-19, you can save lives and protect the NHS. 

Who can get a rapid Covid-19 test  

You can get a free rapid Covid-19 test if: 

§  You have no Covid-19 symptoms 

§  You live or work in Lambeth 

§  You are over 18 

We are particularly encouraging people who are at higher risk of being exposed to Covid-19 to get tested. This includes people who work in certain sectors, such as construction, education, emergency services, hospitality, leisure, personal care, frontline public sector roles, retail and transport. This list is not exhaustive, and you do not need to prove you work in one of these roles to get a test.  

Who cannot get a rapid Covid-19 test 

You cannot get a rapid Covid-19 test if:  

§  You have Covid-19 symptoms

§  You are under 18

§  You do not live or work in Lambeth 

If you have symptoms you should book a test through GOV.UK or by calling 119. The symptoms are a high temperature (fever), a new continuous cough, and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. 

When and where to get a test 

Currently, you can get a test at the following locations: 

Lambeth Town Hall, open from 9am to 4.20pm

Brixton Windmill, open from 9am to 3.30pm

Brockwell Park, open from 9am to 3.30pm

You can get tested again after 7 days.

How to book a test 

You must book a test in advance; we do not accept walk-in requests.  

Book a Covid-19 test if you have no symptoms

You must not attend your appointment if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. 

You should attend your appointment on time to allow for safe registration and testing. If you are late, the centre will try to accommodate you, but we might have to rebook a new appointment if the centre is busy. 

What to bring with you to the appointment 

You should bring:  

§  confirmation of your booking - the confirmation email on your mobile device or printed out 

§  a mobile device to scan a QR or bar code on the test. There will be devices available if you don’t have your own 

§  a face covering (unless you are exempt)   

§  you may also want to bring a bottle of water, as we cannot provide water at the test site. 

§  do plan ahead - there are no toilet facilities at the test site 

How the test works 

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself, but there will be trained staff available if you need support. You can watch a video for a detailed explanation of the procedure. 

Once you have finished, the swab will be processed and analysed. Once the test is done, the swab is discarded. 

The rapid test is called a ‘lateral flow test’ - it does not need to be sent away to a lab and provides results very quickly, within an hour. More information about how Lateral Flow tests work, their safety and the validation process which they were subject to by Public Health England and scientists from Oxford University before being approved for use across the country, is available on the Public Health England website.

Getting your test results 

§  Results will be sent to you the same day via text message and/or email using the contact details you provided when booking your appointment.

§  The results are usually available within an hour – sometimes as fast as 30 minutes. 

§  You do not need to self-isolate whilst waiting for the test results, unless you develop symptoms of Covid-19.  

If you get a positive result  

You must self-isolate immediately and book another test with the national testing service. This is called a ‘PCR test’ and it will be analysed by a lab to confirm the result of your first, rapid test. 

To book a test, visit GOV.UK or call 119. 

If you are out or at work when you get your result please make your way home. Avoid using public transport if possible. If you are at work please inform your line manager immediately so that they can initiate their organisation's risk management plan – cleaning your work station for example.

Until the results of the second test are known, you and your household should self-isolate. Full guidance on how to self-isolate is available on GOV.UK.  

You might be eligible for support to self-isolate 

Self-isolating is essential to preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the community. The government has made a £500 support package available for eligible people.

If you get a negative result  

You do not need to self-isolate, unless you have developed Covid-19 symptoms, live with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or have been asked to self-isolate by NHS test and trace. 

However, a negative result does not fully rule out Covid-19 infection as there can sometimes be false negative lateral flow tests. This means you could still have the infection, but the test didn’t pick it up. This can happen because these tests only turn positive when there is a lot of virus growing in your nose and throat. 

This means that even after a negative test, to protect yourself and others, you must keep following the current restrictions and remember: Hands. Face. Space. 

Hands – wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. 

Face – wear a face-covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. 

Space – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble. 

You cannot purchase these tests  

The UK Government has been purchasing testing kits for the public to use at approved local sites. The kits are not currently available to purchase on the market.  

The tests we provide at our testing sites are totally free of charge.

Tier 4 restrictions introduced in London and the south east. Relaxation for Christmas mixing scrapped.

There is a new variant of the corona-virus which increases the transmission rate. Today the Government have announced that Tier 4 restrictions come into force in London and the south-east from 12.01 on Sunday morning.

Given the early evidence on the new variant of the virus, the potential risk means Christmas can no longer go ahead as planned

Those in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place.

Across the rest of the country, up to three households can meet but this will be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days previously set out.

There will be no relaxation on the 31 December, so people must not break the rules for new year’s.

Tier 4 restrictions are broadly equivalent to the national restrictions brought in during November.

In tier 4:

·         Residents must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions

·         Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities and personal care services must close

·         People must work from home if they can, unless this is not possible eg manufacturing and construction sectors

·         People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas

·         Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home

·         You can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space

·         Communal worship can continue to take place

·         The new variant is concentrated in tier 4 areas, he says, but is nonetheless present around the country.

·         Everyone in all tiers must stay local, he says.

·         Carefully consider whether you need to travel abroad, Johnson says, and follow the rules in your tier.

·         Those in tier 4 will not be permitted to travel abroad, apart from limited exceptions such as for work purposes.

METROPOLITAN POLICE - STREATHAM NEIGHBOURHOODS NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER

This week’s news

Firstly, we would like to wish a warm welcome to PC Jack Sharp, the new police officer for Streatham Hill, and PC Bola Adebakin, who will be working on Streatham Wells.

An update about the 13 year old boy who was attacked outside Dunraven School on Wednesday 25 November: he was put in an induced coma at the time but today has been awake and talking.  We send him our very best wishes and hope he makes a speedy recovery.  The suspect remains in police custody at this stage. 

A bike was stolen from the communal area on Madeira Road.  PCSO Reynolds and PC Pearl found the bike and checked the report to find out who the owner was.  It was returned to them soon afterwards.

PC Takenaka handled a neighbourhood dispute which ended up with the suspect being interviewed for a public order offence.

PC Pearl had some good information from residents regarding drug dealing in Fernwood Avenue. He conducted some patrols there and believes that he disturbed a drug dealer who was about to come and sell drugs.

Officers were called to Copley Park by Lambeth Council with regards to a vulnerable lady being targeted by a rogue trader.  The suspect is 5’ 9” tall, with white thinning hair.  He tells people that he is an antique dealer.  He could be targeting other people around that area.

Crime Advice

There has been an increase in bike crime and breaking into sheds.  Please make sure your property is secure.  Where bikes are concerned, please lock them up securely.  A “D” lock is one of the best cycle locks you can buy.  You can also invest in a shed alarm which can be fitted to make you shed secure.

Covid-19 Advice

Please ensure you follow the latest Government guidelines. Please see post below on the Tier 2 rules. This will help the NHS and other key workers stay as safe as possible so they can continue their amazing work to keep us safe.

Everyone can help to control the virus by staying alert and taking precautions to protect themselves and others.  As well as the above, please remember you should:

·              Hands:   wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day or use hand sanitiser if you cannot do this.

·              Face:   wear a face mask or face covering over your nose and mouth on public transport, if you are staff or a customer in shops, taxis, bars and restaurants and in any confined spaces and anywhere else where social distancing is difficult.

·              Space:   keep your distance inside and outside - stay at least two meters away from anyone outside your household or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions.

·             Get a test:   if you are feeling unwell and have symptoms.  If you have a positive test result, isolate immediately with members of your household for 10 days.  Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.  You can visit the NHS website to book a test or alternatively call 111 for advice.

Remember that everyone can help to control the virus by staying alert, following the rules and taking precautions to protect themselves and others.

Advice from the NHS website on what to do to prevent catching and spreading the virus is as follows:

Ø    wash hands frequently with soap and water or use a sanitiser gel.

Ø    catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues.

Ø    throw away used tissues and then wash your hands.

Ø    if you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve.

Ø    avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Ø    avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

The most important thing is regular and thorough hand washing, preferably with soap and water. Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air.  These droplets can be breathed in and cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Coughing and sneezing into tissues, not touching your face with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with infected people are important to stop the spread of the disease and to keep everyone safe.

Contact Details for the Streatham Safer Neighbourhood Teams

The contact details for the four Streatham Safer Neighbourhood Teams are below:

Team	Telephone	Email	Twitter
Streatham Wells	0750 098 2773	streathamwells.snt@met.police.uk	@MPSStreathamWells
St Leonards	0792 023 3841	stleonards.snt@met.police.uk	@MPSStLeonards
Streatham South	0792 023 3834	streathamsouth.snt@met.police.uk	@MPSStreathamSth
Streatham Hill	0792 023 3842	streathamhill.snt@met.police.uk	@MPSStreathamHill

Hands   →   Face   →   Space

Stay alert   →   Control the Virus   →   Save Lives

Stay safe everyone !

Coronavirus: What you need to know

London is in Tier 2: High alert.

https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-you-need-know

These are the Tier 2 rules for London, starting Wednesday 2 December:

Meeting others remains restricted

• You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with in any indoor setting unless they are in your support bubble. This applies both at home and in any indoor public place, including places of worship, pubs and restaurants.
• You must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside (the rule of six).  This includes in gardens and public spaces like parks.
• There are some exemptions on the Tier 2 rules for meeting others.  For example, if you are gathering for work or education, for formal support groups, or for formal childcare, or to provide care for someone vulnerable.  Remember these Tier 2 rules don’t apply if you need to escape from injury or harm. Full list of exemptions.

Many businesses and venues can reopen

• All non-essential retail can open. Remember you must wear a face covering in shops unless you have an exemption.
• Gyms, leisure centres, sports facilities can open. Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can resume, but you must not socially mix with others you do not live who (or are not in your support bubble). 
• Hairdressers, barbers, and beauty services can open. 
• Restaurants and cafes can open.  Pubs and bars can also open, but only if they are operating as restaurants with table service.  All hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. 
• All hospitality venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm.  Deliveries and takeaways can continue until later. 
• Cinemas, museums, theatres and other entertainment venues can open, but they must close at 11pm. 
• You can attend both indoor and outdoor events like performances and shows, and to watch spectator sport. Capacity will continue to be limited.

Read more on restrictions on businesses and venues in Tier 2 areas

Work and travel

• You should continue working from home if you can.   
• You can travel to venues or amenities which are open, but you should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.  You should continue to walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes.   
• If you travel from a Tier 2 area to a Tier 1 area you must continue to follow the London Tier 2 rules.  You should avoid travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas.

Places of worship and community settings

• Communal worship can now begin again, but you still cannot meet socially with other households in these venues. 
• Public buildings like libraries and community centres can be fully open, but you still cannot meet socially with other households in these venues. 
• Weddings and funerals can take place. 15 people can attend a wedding ceremony and 30 people can attend a funeral service. 

NHS services, including GP services and dentist remain open.

1. Keep a safe distance from others.  Stay two metres apart from people you do not live with as much as possible.   
2. Wherever you cannot keep a safe distance from others wear a face covering. It is mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport and in shops. 
3. Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser when you are out. 
4. When meeting people you don’t live with do so outdoors where possible.  Make sure indoor venues have good ventilation; open windows and doors when you can to allow fresh air to circulate.  
5. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms (high fever, continuous cough, loss of taste or smell) then self-isolate immediately and request a test as soon as you can. 
6. If you are over 60 or clinically vulnerable you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. You should therefore be especially careful to follow the London Tier 2 rules and to minimise your contact with others. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable then the Government is advising you to work from home and to stay at home as much as possible. The Government will write to everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable with detailed advice.

Read the full government guidance pages.

What you need to know for Christmas

This Christmas is still going to be very different to previous years. 

The Government has announced that between Wednesday 23 and Sunday 27 December you can form an exclusive “Christmas bubble”.  These can include people from a maximum of three households and they must be exclusive. If you are travelling to Northern Ireland, you may also travel on the 22 and 28 December in addition to the other days.   

When deciding how you want to spend Christmas you should remember that the more people that mix from different households, the more likely it is that you or someone else will catch or spread coronavirus. This puts yourself, your family, friends and communities at risk, undoing all of our efforts to bring down cases.   

Consider the risks carefully before agreeing to form a Christmas bubble. Especially if you are thinking about meeting up with vulnerable people or would need to travel a long distance.  You should try and keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible.  Do what is best and safest for you and your loved ones.

Lock-down information

Over the weekend, the Prime Minister announced a four-week national lockdown that came into force today, Thursday 5th November. This is to stop the rise in the spread of Covid-19, which is rising rapidly in all parts of the country including in Lambeth.

We are all advised to stay at home, except for specific exceptions. Which include:

• For education, including schools and universities

• For work, if you cannot work from home

• For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household or on your own with one person from another household

• For medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm

• To shop for food and essentials
• And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer

The government has decided that all non-essential shops, leisure, entertainment venues, pubs, bars, restaurants must close, though takeaway and delivery services will be available.

Single adult households can still form exclusive support bubbles with one other household, and children will still be able to move between homes if their parents are separated.

If you are clinically vulnerable, or over the age of 60, you should be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise your contacts with others. The full guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november.

Lambeth Council will close key council buildings such as leisure centres, though schools, educational settings and parks will remain open. 

The council will be seeking to continue its click-and-collect library services and the online library of e-books, magazines, films, and documentaries will continue to be available.

Recycling centres will remain open and household waste will be collected as normal.

Free food for kids in South London during half term