Cases of coronavirus have started to decline in England but need to fall faster to relieve pressure on the NHS.
Researchers at Imperial College London analysed more than 160,000 swabs taken between 6 and 22 January and found that, while cases fell nationally, the rate was not dropping swiftly enough to reduce strain on the NHS.
Latest south-east London headline
- Vaccination of housebound patients is underway
- 86% of care home resident vaccinations are complete, across more than 100 care homes
- Vaccinations are now being administered at four community pharmacies - with more due to open next week
- 25 Primary Care Network vaccination sites are now open
Source: SE London CCG
Priority order for vaccinations
Encouraging people to have their vaccination
SE London CCG is working with local clinicians, faith leaders, care workers and community champions to create a series of films encouraging local people to have their vaccination.
More than 20 people have come forward to make videos in a range of community languages such as Bengali, Guajarati, Hindi, Nepali, Pidgin, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu as well as English.
Seven more videos are currently being edited for release on social media.
We are sharing a list of answers to frequently asked questions on our website, to encourage as many people as possible to get the benefit of a vaccination.
Below are two examples which we hope you will helpful.
Your questions answered
Please go online for the full list.
Is there any evidence to suggest the vaccine makes you infertile?
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine has any impact on fertility.
Does the vaccine contain any egg or animal products?
The Pfizer vaccine and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines do not contain any animal products or egg. The British Islamic Medical Association have produced a helpful guide for the Muslim community which can be found at www.britishima.org/pfizer-biontech-covid19-vaccine.
Vaccination: useful links
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NHS website
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London Borough of Bexley website
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Gov.uk [COVID-19 vaccination programme]
Twice-weekly no symptoms rapid testing
If you or a member of your household has symptoms, or you work in a public facing role in any sector, you can book a no symptoms rapid test quickly and easily at the Civic Offices Bexleyheath.
Anyone with a negative result should book another test after three days, to ensure the results are completely accurate.
If your test is positive you and everyone in your household must self-isolate immediately for the next 10 full days. The 10 days begin the day after your test date.
New testing site opens in Welling
Another bookable NHS coronavirus testing site for those who have symptoms of the virus has opened in the borough.
The new site is at The Vine Christian Community Church, Welling.
The more sites we have the greater the chance that residents who have symptoms of the virus can be tested locally. Book via 119 or www.gov.uk/coronavirus
