We all need to keep looking out for each other and keeping each other safe - Islington Council statement
Today (Monday, 22 February) the Prime Minister has announced that schools will return to classrooms from 8 March, as a first step in the Government's plan for emerging from lockdown.
For more details of the announcement see gov.uk
Covid-19 cases in London have fallen significantly since the start of the New Year, but remain high compared with last summer and early autumn, and the NHS is still under intense pressure. To stop Covid-19 spreading and causing serious ill health and deaths, “stay at home” lockdown rules are still in place.
Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said today: “We welcome the great progress that has been made in bringing down rates of Covid-19 in Islington, and are hugely grateful especially to the NHS, for rolling out safe, life-saving vaccines to thousands of vulnerable people in our communities, while also treating so many people desperately ill with Covid-19.
“While it’s welcome that rates are going down, and vaccine rollout is progressing well, it’s vital we keep looking after each other and doing everything we can to be careful, in the face of this very dangerous disease. Many people in our community are not yet protected and our hospitals are still under huge pressure. People are still becoming seriously ill and dying every day. It’s really important we keep doing everything we can to stop Covid spreading and to keep our loved ones, and each other, safe.
“We know the last few months have been incredibly difficult for so many people, and we’re so proud of how so many in Islington have helped each other out - from communities supporting vaccination efforts, to volunteers helping get food and support to our most vulnerable people, to the amazing key workers for whom we have set up free testing. A huge number of people across Islington have made a huge difference to so many people’s lives.
“If you need help or support, we’re here. If you need help with your shopping, collecting medicines, or you have money worries, or if you need a chat or support - or if you have your vaccination invitation but need help sorting out your appointment - call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
“We’re so proud of how Islington has stood together over the last year, throughout the pandemic, and we know this will continue as we keep looking out for each other in the weeks to come.”
Notes to editors
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 on your own, with your household or support bubble or one other person – this should be limited to once per day, and in your local area
- 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
If you do need to go out for one of the permitted reasons:
- Make space – stay 2 metres apart from people who aren’t in your household or bubble - this helps stop the virus spreading between people
- Wash your hands - regularly and for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home– this washes virus off your hands and helps stop it spreading
- Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth to stop the virus spreading - in public places, including in shops or public transport
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
Testing is quick, easy and free – Islington has two testing sites for people with any of the symptoms, which the council made sure were opened to help our residents. Getting a test is free and simple – nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.