It is fantastic news that our over-70s are beginning to be offered the Covid-19 vaccination, with GP sites now adding them to their list of patients to contact. The over-80s continue to be the first priority and because not all vaccination sites went live at the same time, some of them have yet to be contacted. So please, don’t worry if you are in either of these priority groups and have not yet heard – our local NHS are working flat out to deliver the vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible and they will get to you. They expect the majority of over-80s to have been offered the vaccine by the end of January and those over 70 to have been offered the vaccine by 15 February 2021. These priority groups will be able to come forward and receive the vaccine throughout the Covid-19 vaccination programme, so you will not miss your turn.
The NHS will continue to contact people directly to invite them to receive the vaccine when it is their time. This may be via the phone, text message or letter from a Croydon GP practice. You do need an appointment, so please don’t arrive at a vaccination site without one. You can find information about the Croydon Covid-19 vaccination programme on our local NHS website, including a full list of the practices which are covered by each GP-led vaccination site. Thank you to everyone who is being so patient and, once again, my heartfelt thanks go to our partners the NHS who are doing such a wonderful job in delivering this programme.
While this is really encouraging news and gives us all hope that there may be an end in sight, I must continue to urge caution. Our infection numbers remain incredibly high in Croydon – you can find the latest data here – and the situation in our hospital is critical, as it remains extremely busy. We are many months away from everyone in our community being vaccinated and while priority groups are beginning to have their first dose, this only adds a degree of immunity until they have received the second. So for now, it is vital that we all continue to stay at home and follow the national restrictions. If you must go out, then always keep your distance from others and follow hands, face, space because the virus is widespread throughout our community. Remember one in three people could have the virus but show no symptoms, so act like you’ve got it – this is the only way to protect yourself and others.
Last chance to give your views in our savings proposals consultation
The council’s consultation on its savings proposals closes this Sunday 24 January so if you haven’t yet completed the online survey, please don’t miss this chance to have your say. Our financial challenges mean we have to make significant savings over the next three years and there are some tough choices to make, but your feedback could help shape how we do it. The findings of the consultation will inform our budget proposals which go to cabinet in February. You can find an overview of the savings proposals and take the short online survey at www.croydon.gov.uk/savingsproposals Thank you to all those who have taken the time to give their views already.
Holocaust Memorial Day
On Wednesday, Croydon communities are invited to an online event of international remembrance for Holocaust Memorial Day to honour victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.
From noon residents will be able to join the ceremony from the council’s town hall via an online link which will be live on the day. The Mayor of Croydon will host the hour-long event and will light a candle in memory of victims of genocide and in acknowledgement of this year’s theme, ‘be the light in the darkness’.
In Croydon, we are rightly proud of our rich diversity. Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment for all our communities to stand together and remember those who lost their lives, unite against persecution and discrimination and declare that they have no place in our society.
Have a good weekend, and stay safe,
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
