Vaccinating the over 70s, rapid Covid-19 tests, and a thank you from us

View this email in your browser.

Latest news banner
vaccination

Vaccinating the over 70s

The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and the people you love from Covid-19. The more of us that have that protection, the safer we will all be.

If you, or someone you know, is over 70 and haven’t yet been invited for your first Covid-19 vaccine, you can now book an appointment at the Arc Centre pharmacy in Islington by visiting NHS online or ringing 119 free. Over 70s no longer need a letter unless they wish to be vaccinated at a local GP site. See how the vaccination site at Arc Centre pharmacy works.

Assistance travelling to the venue may be available if you have disabilities which make accessing transport difficult. You should contact your GP if this is the case. They will generally need to know at least 48 hours before your vaccination appointment.

More information


face mask hand washing 2 metre distance

Thank you for staying home

This lockdown has been a struggle for many. We know everyone in the borough has made some form of sacrifice to keep Islington safe. That’s why we want to say thank you.

Your efforts to wear a mask, and social distance while shopping for your essential goods, and to stay at home as much has possible have helped to drive down the number of coronavirus infections in Islington. 

We know how hard it is, but efforts are paying off, as shown in the decreasing weekly incidence rate. This is why we must continue and not become complacent. Your actions have never been more important:

  • Stay home
  • Stay 2m apart
  • Cover your mouth and nose

It’s been a stressful time and if you need support get in touch through the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222. Lines open 9am-5pm every day. We can help with getting food or medicine, isolation, or financially.


Woman doing a lateral flow test for Covid

Make testing a part of your work routine 

Free, rapid Covid-19 tests are available for key workers who regularly come in contact with others, who are showing no symptoms. Regular testing can help find and isolate the virus, and keep Islington safe.

If you test positive, you may be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.

Jim, a key worker based in Islington, has shared a video about how his experience getting regularly tested ensures he can continue working safely, whilst protecting himself and his colleagues. 

Book a test


Budget 2021/22 graphic

Our budget works towards a fairer future

Rebuilding a fairer society in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – and supporting those hardest hit by its effects – are the cornerstones of our Budget proposals for the next financial year.

Despite the immense disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the council will press ahead with major investment in housing, jobs, community safety and tackling the climate crisis to create a cleaner, healthier borough. Services that local people value and rely on will also be protected, including free school meals for every primary school pupil, keeping libraries open, maintaining weekly recycling and rubbish collections and regular street sweeping.

The budget proposals will be debated by full council on Thursday 25 February, when the council’s budget for 2021/22 will be set. Last Monday, council leader Cllr Richard Watts took your questions on Facebook live - watch it back now.

More information


How do I take part in the census?

The census is coming soon

This year the census will take place on Sunday 21 March. Within the next couple of weeks you will receive a letter explaining what you need to do. It’s really important that everyone takes part as information gathered from the census helps to plan and fund all our local services. This matters to us all.

More information


your vote matters

May 2021 elections

Elections will take place on Thursday 6 May for the London Assembly and London Mayor. You must be on the electoral register to vote - if you aren't already registered, the easiest way to register is online at register to vote.

If you are a registered Islington voter, and we have your email address and you don’t have a postal vote in place already, you will have recently received an email from our Electoral Services team letting you know that you can apply for a postal vote if you wish. Find out more via our website or email Electoral.services@islington.gov.uk  

More information

We're here to help