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National Lockdown

Published on 06 January 2021 07:52 AM

MESSAGE FROM RACHEL FLOWERS, CROYDON'S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Following the government announcement we are now in a national lockdown, with immediate effect.

As you will be aware the situation in Croydon is extremely serious and as of today, there are 244 people receiving treatment at Croydon University Hospital. Our Covid-19 incidence rate is now 964.5 cases per 100,000 - higher than the London average for the first time - and I am seeing around 600 new cases every day. 

The situation has escalated rapidly in the last few weeks and unless we act now, we risk more people becoming ill, our hospital becoming overwhelmed and ultimately, sadly, more loss of life. 

It is vital that we all now follow the national restrictions – stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. This is the most important thing we can do to reduce transmission of the virus in our borough and keep Croydon safe.

The national lockdown means we must not leave our homes except for essential reasons which include to:

  • shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
  • go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
  • exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
  • meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
  • seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
  • attend education or childcare - for those eligible

You can find the national restrictions in full here – www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Please do check them and ensure you know what they mean for you.

If you must go out, always remember the NHS guidance on hands, face, space. Approximately one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising, so this advice is vital.

If you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate and get tested. Only leave your home to get a test – otherwise you are putting others at risk.

Thank you for all of your continued support,

Rachel Flowers
Croydon’s Director of Public Health