The move out of Plan B Covid restrictions on Thursday (27 January) is a much-welcome and positive step, so let’s take it cautiously together. We are thankfully in a much better place than a month ago, but Covid-19 case numbers in Croydon are still high so public health advice is that we should still take steps to protect ourselves.
From Thursday, face coverings will no longer be required by law but guidance is that we continue to wear them in crowded, indoor spaces, and they will still be required on London’s public transport network.
Other public health advice on regular testing, hand-washing and letting in plenty of fresh air is still important if we want to keep up the excellent progress we have made – and getting vaccinated remains vital. It is only through the NHS vaccination programme, and all of your hard work and commitment, that we have been able to get to where we are today. Book yours today – let’s keep moving forward together Croydon.
Economic recovery and support for our businesses
As we prepare to move out of Plan B restrictions, we’ve launched another round of grant funding to help our local businesses recover from the impact of Omicron. Having lobbied the government to provide this vital support for Croydon’s leisure and hospitality sector, we’re working to get it to those who need it as quickly as possible, as well as distributing government grants to support our creative industries.
As we move forward on the road to recovery, we will continue working to boost Croydon’s economy, getting vital funding, information and support out to all our businesses. Check out Love Croydon, shop local and find out how you can help.
Funding for food banks
It’s not only our businesses who continue to be impacted by Covid, with many families and individuals struggling with winter pressures on top of the pandemic. Our voluntary food aid organisations, like food banks, can now apply to us for grants of up to £5k to help support those most in need this winter. If you’re a resident experiencing hardship or difficulties, find out how to get help here.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Thursday 27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day 2022, when we commemorate the lives of who were killed in the Holocaust and in other genocides throughout the world. The Mayor of Croydon will be hosting an online event, which will be available to watch on our YouTube channel from 12pm. He will be joined by schools from across Croydon and a speaker from Generation2Generation, who help the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors tell their stories. I would encourage everyone to join us for this moving event so that together, we can remember them.
Have a good weekend,
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
