With the tightening of Covid-19 restrictions this week, it’s important that we all do everything we can to keep each other safe over the coming weeks. You can read the latest advice from Croydon’s Director of Public Health here. In addition to following the new restrictions, the most important thing we can all do to protect each other from any variant of the virus, is to get vaccinated as soon as we are eligible – book an appointment online or find your nearest walk-in. If your child missed having their jab in school, they can still get vaccinated at one of the dedicated clinics for 12-15 year-olds. If you have questions about the vaccine for your child, you can still watch our recent advice webinar for parents.
I know it is really disappointing to see a return to restrictions when we have come so far, particularly when we are all looking forward to the Christmas break. The uncertainty is particularly tough on our businesses and it’s vital that we all get behind them now, and back our local shops, pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. If you’ve still got Christmas shopping to do, check out your local high street – our town and district centres are looking fantastically festive at the moment! Visit them safely and support them by following the rules on face masks and take a lateral flow test before you go to busy places or meet others – you can have the results in 30 minutes and it’s a simple precaution that helps to keep us all safe. And don’t forget many of our businesses have an online offer so you can still support them even if you’re planning to stay at home.
Amid the latest news it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come since this time last year when one of our residents became among the first in the world to receive the jab. George Dyer, 90, from Norbury received his vaccination at Croydon University Hospital on 8 December 2020, and this was the start of our local programme which has saved so many lives and helped us see a return to some sense of normality. Over the past year the local NHS have led a heroic effort to deliver the vaccine roll out and I want to thank them all for everything they continue to do to help keep Croydon safe. Their example is an excellent reminder that together we can and will beat this pandemic.
Have a good weekend – have fun, and stay safe.
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
