Lockdown is tough. For some people, it isolates them at a time when they desperately don't want to be alone. For others it brings added pressures of home-schooling. Whatever your circumstance, it is likely that you'd rather lockdown was over.
But we all need to play our part in making lockdown work.
The point in these harsh measures is to stop the transmission of a virus that has already affected thousands of Islington residents and - tragically - left many of us bereaved.
Coronavirus is spreading so quickly in London - our health services and hospitals are under unsustainable pressure. So much so, that the Mayor of London last week declared a major incident.
Staying at home makes a difference. It helps to protect the NHS and save lives.
Remember that we’re here to help, especially if you have to stay at home because you are shielding. If you need help with shopping, collecting medicine, or if you have money worries, or need a chat, call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222. It’s open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
To help keep you safe, council staff will continue to be out around the borough, offering advice to residents and businesses. Where necessary, they will issue fines to anyone who is deliberately putting themselves or others at risk.
Now the vaccine is being rolled out, and the older members of our community are already being vaccinated, there is light ahead. But watch out for scams please - vaccines are free, and the NHS doesn't ever ask for bank details.
Stay safe and please do your bit by staying home.
Cllr Richard Watts
Leader of Islington Council
Stay at home and save lives
We must stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS, leaving home only to:
- Shop for basic necessities
- Go to work, or provide voluntary or charity services, if you cannot do so from home
- Exercise once a day in your local area and in line with the Government’s latest guidelines, to keep household mixing to a minimum. Stay 2 metres apart from anyone you do not live with
- Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble, where necessary
- Seek medical assistance (including Covid tests) or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm, including domestic abuse
- Attend education or childcare, for those eligible
The full guidance can be found on the Gov.uk website. Support bubble and childcare bubble rules remain in place.
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Covid-19 vaccinations
The NHS is currently offering the Covid-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. It's being given to people aged 80 and over, frontline NHS staff and those working in care homes.
When it's your turn, they will contact you to book your appointment. Please don’t contact your GP – they are working really hard to make sure the right people are contacted at the right time for vaccination appointments.
The Covid-19 vaccines have undergone stringent tests to ensure they are safe. Please take up your invitation when it is offered. If you are worried, leading medical expert Professor Jonathan Van-Tam explains how vaccines work.
You won't be asked to apply for the vaccine and it will be offered free of charge.
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Free school meals vouchers
If your child is eligible for free school meals and is not attending school, arrangements are being made by schools to issue vouchers. Please contact your school for further details.
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Home learning support
This is a tough time for parents who may be juggling home-schooling and work.
If you want some help to keep your child learning at home you might find our learning resources site useful. There's lots of practical tips and downloadable information packs. You can also sign-up for our regular email bulletins for parents.
If you don't have access to a laptop or the internet, your child's school might be able to help, contact them to find out what is available.
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Get tested
Know the symptoms of Covid-19 - a high temperature, or a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste and get tested if you have any of the three symptoms.
Getting a test is free and simple - book online at nhs.uk.coronavirus or call 119. There are local testing centres in the borough.
If you test positive, you must stay at home and self isolate for 10 days so that you don’t spread Covid to your family and community.
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Self-isolating is not the same as lockdown
Self-isolating is an important part of stopping the spread of Covid-19. If you’re told to self-isolate, please do not leave your home - even for work, food shopping or exercise.
If you need help with your shopping, collecting medicines, or you are worried about your finances, we can help. Contact We Are Islington on 020 7527 8222, 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
If you are on a low income and cannot work from home you may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme.
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