As we await the government’s announcement on the further easing of restrictions, we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases locally. This is a combination of the restrictions relaxing and the Delta variant, which now accounts for most cases across the country. To combat this rise, the most important thing all of us can do is to get vaccinated as soon as we are offered, and encourage our friends and family to do the same. By doing so we reduce our risk of becoming seriously ill, help keep others in our community safe and protect our NHS.
If you are aged 25 or over, you can book your vaccine online or call 119 to make an appointment. If you or someone you know has questions about the vaccine, visit the NHS website for information. If you’ve already had your first dose, make sure you take up the second to ensure you have the best possible defence against the virus.
It is also really important, that if you have any of the main Covid-19 symptoms, you self-isolate and get a test. This helps us to break the chains of transmission and prevent the virus spreading. The advice on hands, face, space and fresh air still applies and remember you can pick up free rapid Covid tests from our centres across Croydon – more info here – or order them online. A quick test before meeting friends, family or colleagues can help to reduce the risk of passing the virus on when you don’t have symptoms.
Cabinet update
Earlier this week we made some important decisions at our cabinet meeting, including plans to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change and also, how we are going to develop as an autism-friendly Croydon. These are significant steps forward in terms of making Croydon the borough we want to be, and each have been developed with input from hundreds of residents. I’m really grateful to everyone who has contributed – to our Climate Crisis Commission for their recommendations, and all the families, individuals and partners who have helped to shape our autism strategy. We also held discussions about the need for the government to provide fairer funding for Croydon to support our unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. We are incredibly proud of the welcome, support and care that we give some of the most vulnerable people in the world, it’s simply not reasonable that we’re not supported by government with the cost of providing this support on behalf of the nation. You can find out more here or, to see more on all our cabinet decisions, watch a recording of the meeting.
Grenfell anniversary
On Monday a green flag will fly at half-mast at Croydon Town Hall to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy. We will never forget the 72 people who lost their lives, the loved ones they have left behind, and all those who were so badly affected. My deepest sympathies remain with them all.
I hope you all have a good weekend, enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council