With the easing of official restrictions on 19 July, I want to ask everyone in Croydon to take this next step safely, together.
From Monday the limits on gatherings indoors and outdoors will be lifted; we won’t be legally required to socially distance and venues like nightclubs can reopen. You can find the changes and what they mean for you on the government website.
I know how excited many people will be to get back to doing more of the things we all love and we want to support you all – our businesses, schools, sports clubs and residents. That is why it’s important that as we move forward, we take care.
Covid-19 hasn’t gone away. Infection levels in our borough continue to rise and sadly in the past week, we have also seen a significant increase in the number of people with Covid-19 in Croydon University Hospital.
While the law is changing, the public health advice locally and nationally, remains the same. Croydon’s Director of Health, Rachel Flowers, had this message for us today.
We can all continue to help to prevent incidence rates rising in our borough, keep ourselves and others safe from Covid-19 and protect our NHS by:
- Hands – washing our hands often.
- Face – wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces. This will continue to be the rule on London’s public transport, including Croydon’s trams.
- Space – keeping our distance from others.
- Fresh air – meeting others outdoors where possible and letting in plenty of fresh air if you’re inside
- Test regularly, whether you have symptoms or not – find out how we’re making it even easier by taking our rapid testing out into the community.
- Self-isolate and get a test if you have symptoms – self-isolation can be hard and frustrating but it is a key part of our defence.
- Get your jab – with infection levels predicted to continue to rise, getting both doses of your vaccination will give you the best possible protection against the virus. It’s fantastic that 226,889 residents have now had their first dose – but that’s not everyone so we must keep going. With walk-in clinics all over Croydon, it’s never been easier – find your nearest here.
Finally, please remember that not everyone will be excited about Monday’s changes – there will be many in our communities who will be feeling understandably unsure, especially if they have been told they could be vulnerable to Covid-19. In the coming weeks it’s important that we respect each other’s choices, be considerate when we are out and about, and above all be kind. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, support is out there. Our mental health and wellbeing pages have advice and support.
Croydon has already sacrificed too much to Covid-19 – from losing loved ones to missing out on time with family and friends. We’ve come a long way from lockdown, and we’ve worked so hard to achieve this. Let’s make sure we take this next step slowly Croydon, so that we can keep moving forward together.
Have a great weekend – enjoy the sunshine, enjoy our beautiful parks and stay safe
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
