Dear Croydon Stakeholders and Partners

London is now experiencing the highest rates of Covid-19 anywhere in the country and in our borough, cases are rising rapidly.

Croydon’s incidence rate is currently 197.3 per 100,000 and on Sunday, 88 people were being treated in Croydon University Hospital, some of whom are in intensive care.

We know from experience that an increase in cases means an increase in hospitalisations and ultimately, tragically it will mean an increase in deaths. We are already starting to see this, and this is why it is absolutely vital that we act now to reduce transmission in Croydon.

We are in talks with government about increasing testing capacity locally but I cannot stress enough that testing is only one part of our defence against the virus. The only way to protect ourselves and others, is to limit our social contact as much as possible.

This means following the Tier 3 restrictions (from Wednesday 16 which include:

  • You must not meet socially indoors, or in a private garden, with anyone who is not a member of your household or support bubble.
  • Hospitality settings such as bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect.
  • You can attend places of worship for a service but you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
  • You can meet socially with up to six individuals in some outdoor public places, including parks, playgrounds and outdoor sport facilities, but you must all continue to follow the guidance on social distancing.

You can find the Tier 3 restrictions available in full here.

However we must all always follow the advice on hands, face, space:

  • Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with others but if you must be in one, wear a face covering.
  • Stay at least 2 metres from others indoors and outside.
  • If you must be indoors with others, keep rooms well-ventilated, with doors and windows open.

If you do have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free NHS test – you should not leave your home apart from to get tested.

We must all consider now whether the things we are doing – the trips and visits we are making – are really essential and whether there is any more we could all do, to help keep Croydon safe.

New Tier 3 resources:

Keep Croydon Safe Toolkit

We have added a new range of Tier 3 resources for you to share and use across your own channels including a guidance poster and social media assets which give a simple visual summary of the restrictions and the actions we need to take.

We will be sending you more information this week about the messaging for Christmas, guidance and support available for residents. In the meantime, you can find further information on our coronavirus pages here: www.croydon.gov.uk/coronavirus]www.croydon.gov.uk/coronavirus. 

Thank you and stay safe.

 

Rachel Flowers
Director of Public Health