Covid-19: A huge thanks and let’s continue to keep each other safe

Throughout the pandemic, people across the borough have been making huge sacrifices to keep each other safe. It is thanks to these outstanding efforts that restrictions are now easing.   

With Covid-19 restrictions set to ease on Monday, 19 July, Islington Council is encouraging local people to continue to look out for one another to prevent the spread of the virus.    

It is important to remember that Covid-19 is still present, and cases are rising in Islington. There are lots of things that people across the borough can do to keep themselves, their loved ones and Islington’s communities safe.    

The best way to get protection from the virus is to have the Covid-19 vaccination. Getting the jab in Islington is easier than ever, with more locations now offering walk-in appointments. Further information about getting vaccinated in Islington can be found here.    

Although it is challenging, it is really important that people continue to self-isolate where they have Covid-19 symptoms, or where they come into contact with a confirmed case. Doing so helps protect everyone. More information on the symptoms to look out for and guidance on when to self-isolate can be found on the council’s website.   

Wearing a mask will no longer be a legal requirement from Monday, 19 July, but continuing to wear a face covering while shopping, on public transport, or in a busy indoor place can keep yourself and others safe, and can provide reassurance to others. Although restrictions will be relaxed on meeting people indoors, meeting outdoors, perhaps on one of Islington’s parks, is a safer option.    

With cases continuing to rise in Islington, choosing to avoid crowded buses and trains, and places where there may be lots of people, can help keep everyone safe. Islington has a fantastic array of shops and businesses – choosing to shop locally can help save lives, and support Islington’s local businesses.   

As restrictions ease, it is likely that we will all come into more contact with other people in day-to-day life. Free rapid home testing is a very quick and easy way to help feel more confident when meeting others, and helps keep everyone safe.    

Cllr Sue Lukes, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, said:  “Throughout the pandemic, we have seen that we are all Islington, and that at difficult times we all come together to pull through.  I’d like to say a huge, huge thank you to everyone who has done so much to help keep us all safe.  

“The unity and sacrifices of the past 18 months have helped bring us to the point where restrictions are now easing, and we are all looking forward to life returning to something resembling normality.    

“The easing of restrictions is an exciting time for all of us, but we must not lose sight of the fact that Covid-19 cases are still high and are on the rise in Islington, and that none of us is safe unless all of us are safe.   

“We have come so far since the start of the pandemic and, it’s really important that we all continue to do our bit to keep protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.”   

Jonathan O’Sullivan, Islington Council’s Acting Director for Public Health, said: “The easing of restrictions will be welcomed by many of us, but we need to remember that there will be others who are vulnerable or worried as the final restrictions are removed.  It’s really important that we keep doing what we can to keep each other safe from Covid-19.    

"Cases are rising again in Islington, with more than seven hundred new infections diagnosed in the latest week alone, and many more contacts needing to self-isolate for ten days.  Rates have been concentrated in younger age groups either not eligible or only newly eligible for vaccination, but there are concerns if rates of infection continue that more older and clinically vulnerable people risk also being affected. 

“The vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from Covid-19. It’s really important we all have both doses to ensure the best possible protection from the virus - and there's plenty of easy ways to have your jabs done here in Islington.

“By getting vaccinated and taking other steps to protect yourself and others, we can all help prevent further loss from this devastating virus.” 

Islington has continued to care for local people throughout the pandemic, and is on hand to provide support for those needing to self-isolate, or those facing difficulties. To get support with emergency food deliveries, shopping, financial and emotional support, contact the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222 or minicom on 020 7527 1900. Lines are open every day, including weekends from 9am to 5pm.