Healthwatch City of London Bulletin 61
Relaxation of some COVID rules announced by the Government
Some of England’s Plan B COVID measures are to end, it has been announced by the Government. The Prime Minister said England was reverting to "Plan A" due to boosters and how people had followed Plan B measures.
The key points of the announcement are as follows:
- As of Wednesday 19th January, the advice to work from home has changed and the Government is recommending you discuss returning to the workplace with your manager.
- Mandatory Covid passports for entering nightclubs and large events will end, though organisations can choose to use the NHS Covid pass if they wish, from 27th January.
- Face masks will no longer be mandated, also from 27th January, though people are still advised to wear coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when meeting strangers.
- The legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID will remain for the time being, although the timeline for this is being reviewed.
The self-isolation rules that are still in place
Anyone who develops symptoms or tests positive for Covid must immediately self-isolate.
People who test positive are able to leave self-isolation after a further five full days, subject to having two negative LFT results, 24 hours apart.
The day symptoms begin, or you test positive is day zero. The next day is day one of your isolation period.
You can take your first test on day five. If it is negative, you can take another test 24 hours later on day six. Assuming this is also negative - and you do not have a temperature - you can immediately leave isolation.
The rules apply whether you are vaccinated or not.
If you receive a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) you are required to self-isolate immediately and are not required to take a confirmatory PCR test.
This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK. Whilst levels of COVID-19 are high, the vast majority of people with positive LFD results can be confident that they have COVID-19.
It is important to note that people who are eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP) will still be asked to take a confirmatory PCR if they receive a positive LFD result, to enable them to access financial support.
For further information please visit the Government website
Help and Support if you are isolating
City of London Corporation
If you are a City of London Corporation resident, are self-isolating and you require assistance accessing food, medicine, money and other essentials if you are struggling to access them, contact the Corporation by filling in the COVID-19 form, by emailing the COVID-19 mailbox, or by calling 020 7606 3030.
City Advice
They offer free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt and employment. City Advice can also refer you to the First Love Foundation (FLF) if you need help getting food.
City Advice are qualified to advise on:
- Health and wellbeing
- Welfare benefits
- Debt
- Housing and legal issues
- Relationships
- Consumer and employment rights
Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am-1pm and 2-4pm, you can contact them via phone 020 7392 2919 or email them at city.advice@toynbeehall.org.uk.
NHS Volunteer Responders can also help with things like:
- collecting shopping
- collecting medicines and prescriptions
- phone calls if you want to chat to someone
Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, everyday) to arrange help from a volunteer.
Get Boosted now!
The most important thing that anyone can do is get vaccinated and have your booster (and flu jab) The NHS is seeing the benefit of vaccination on the severity of illness. If you are already vaccinated, please encourage friends and family to get their vaccination and booster jabs as soon as possible.
People aged 18 or over can pre-book a booster dose appointment 2 months after their second vaccine dose. You can get your booster dose 3 months after your second vaccine dose. Book your booster vaccination appointment or find a walk-in vaccination site.
Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the City
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the key measures to reducing your risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death from the disease. Anyone aged 12+ can now access a first, second, or booster dose.
You do not need to show ID, or to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to get vaccinated. Many sites are walk-in clinics and waiting times are short:
- Thursday 27th January, and Thursday 3rd and Thursday 10th February, Boots inside Liverpool Street Station, 9am-6pm (Moderna)
- Boots (120 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BE) (Moderna), and Sai Pharmacy (19 Stable Walk, E1 8EJ) (Moderna)
Most booster doses will be Pfizer or Moderna, which may be different from the vaccine someone may have had for their first or second dose.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccine
Spring Hill Practice, 57 Stamford Hill, N16 5SR. Every Sunday in January
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Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccination. Priority given to people needing first and second doses.
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Every Sunday in January 10am-6pm.
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walk-in or book via 020 8356 3111
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ages 16+
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no ID or NHS number required
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male and female vaccinators available
Hospital sites
Guy’s Hospital: You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number for vaccination.
- Location: Burfoot Court Room, Counting House at Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT (view Site Map)
- Day and time:
- Pfizer (+16s): Monday to Saturday – 8am to 7pm
- Moderna (+18s):
- Monday, 8am-9pm
- AstraZeneca (+40s) – 2nd dose only:
- Monday, 10-12.30pm
- Booking information: Walk-in, no appointment needed
- Further information: The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines are available at this clinic.
First, second and booster doses available – second dose only offered if at least eight weeks since the first dose. Booster dose only offered if at least 3 months since second dose.
St Thomas’ Hospital - Location: St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH (view Site Map)
- Day and time: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm – (weekdays = Vaccination Centre 2, Saturdays = Vaccination Centre 1)
- Booking information: Walk-in, no appointment needed.
- Further information: This clinic is for anyone age 12 and over.
First, second and booster doses available – second dose only offered if at least eight weeks since the first dose. Booster dose only offered if at least 3 months since second dose.
Primary Care sites
Covid-19 Vaccination Centre, 3A Bocking Street, E8 3RU
- John Scott Health Centre, Green Lanes, London, N4 2NU
- St. Leonard's Hospital, Nuttall Street, N1 5LZ
Pharmacy sites (booked through the national booking portal)
A new centre has opened on the City/Tower Hamlets border at Sai Pharmacy, 19 Stable Walk, Goodman’s Fields, E1 8EJ
- Boots, 120 Fleet St, EC4A 2BE
- Clockwork Pharmacy - 398-400 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 1HP
- Bees Pharmacy - 199-201 Rushmore Road, Clapton, E5 0HD
- Haggerston Pharmacy, 197-215 Haggerston Road, E8 4HU
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, 77 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8AD
- Silverfields Chemists, 141 Homerton High St, E9 6AS
- Spring Pharmacy, 223 Hoxton Street, N1 5LG
- Murrays Pharmacy, 96-98 Murray Grove, N1 7QP
Alternatively, vaccinations for residents registered at Tower Hamlets GPs are being administered from:
- Newby Place Health and Wellbeing Centre, 21 Newby Place, Poplar, E14 0EY
- The Art Pavillion, Mile End Park, Clinton Road, E3 4QY
Health Inequalities Survey Shoreditch Park and City
Help your Primary Care Network address health inequalities in GP Practices and Neighbourhood in Shoreditch Park and City.
GP Practices and Neighbourhoods within Shoreditch Park and City area have worked and continue to work with local communities and health and social care partners, e.g. Healthwatch, resident groups and more to gather data to help improve the outcomes of the local population including those that are most vulnerable. They would like your input in deciding what our top priorities and focus should be, to help address health and social care issues in our communities.
Tell the PCN your views here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GJHNRCX
HWCoL upcoming webinars and events
Healthwatch City of London have a programme of webinars and events for your interest and information. Please see the details and how to join below. If there are any areas on which you’d like to hear more please let us know info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Accessing Long Covid Services in City and Hackney Webinar
Wednesday 2nd February 3pm – 4pm
We will be joined by Joanna Lyndon-Cohen, Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist from the City and Hackney Long Covid Services team. Joanna will be giving an overview of the services on offer for City residents who are suffering with symptoms of Long Covid.
Please register here to join us
Home vaccinations for the house bound
The Neaman Practice are finishing their home booster vaccinations this week. We have been assured that everyone how is eligible has been contacted and received an appointment. Please let us know if you have not been contacted or if you have had any issues receiving your booster via the Practice. info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Representing you
Healthwatch City of London attend meetings on your behalf you ensure that the City’s voice is heard by Health and Social Care providers. On 27th January we will be attending the UCLH public board meeting. If there are any issues or concerns that you would like us to arrange, please email us at info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
AGE UK Empower Energy Awareness workshop
Empower Project Coordinator Ruby will be running her next free Energy Awareness workshop in February. She will be sharing tips and tricks on how to save money on your electricity, water and gas bills, while staying comfortable and warm at home. Topics include lighting, appliances, understanding tariffs and bills, and assistance schemes and grants. There will be plenty of time to ask any questions and to arrange a one-to-one meeting with Ruby to discuss any areas you want some personal advice on, regarding your energy usage and costs.
When: Monday 7th February, 14.00-15.30
Where: Online – Zoom
Open to: Anyone living in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney and the City
Contact: Ruby Farrell (Empower Project Coordinator for Age UK East London) directly at ruby.farrell@ageukeastlondon.org.uk, or on 07514 670270.
To receive the Zoom details on the day, please complete registration via this online form, or contact Ruby if you would prefer to do this over the phone: https://forms.office.com/r/YbGj5pHwwN
Focus on Mental Health
We will be holding our Mental Health and Wellbeing focus group in early February, our focus will be on access to services for children and younger people. We hold the group regularly, if you are interested in joining us please let us know by emailing info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk or look out for details in our bulletins or on our events page Events | Healthwatch Cityoflondon
Survey on mental health services for young people
Services in City and Hackney want you to tell them what your priorities are and help them design the future of mental health services for people aged 18 to 25. Respondents have a chance to win a £50 shopping voucher. Read more
Dragon Café in the City
The next Dragon Café in the City sessions will be held on Wednesday 26th January. These are a mix of zoom sessions to inspire and relax.
You can read the full programme by visiting their website www.dragoncafeinthecity.com/whats-on
Suicide Prevention Awareness for the City’s business community, Wednesday 9th February, 9-11am
City workers have a crucial role to play in local suicide prevention efforts, and can often be the "eyes and ears" when it comes to identifying someone who may be in distress. This short and interactive awareness session provides practical tips on what to do and what not to do, the local situation with regards to suicide and suicide prevention, as well as insights on key listening skills.
The free sessions are led by the City of London Corporation and Hackney Public Health team and Central London Samaritans volunteers. They have been delivered regularly over the last five years to a wide range of business representatives in many different sectors both within the City of London and beyond, and are very well received.
To find out more and to register your interest, please email the Business Health team at businesshealthy@cityoflondon.gov.uk
How to look after your mental health while self-isolating with COVID-19
The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Healthwatch England have produced this handy guide with tips to looking after your wellbeing when self-isolating and contact details for charities that can provide support.
How to look after your mental health while self-isolating with COVID-19 | Healthwatch
Latest Covid-19 statistics for the City of London
The joint City and Hackney Public Health Intelligence Team produce regular statistics on Covid-19 levels and vaccination uptake data in the City. The site is updated regularly and accessible at https://hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-data
Keep up to date with the latest advice
HWCoL are constantly updating our advice and information pages. Please make sure you visit them regularly. https://www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk/advice-and-information
Get in touch with Healthwatch City of London
Visit our website for more information, news and events, have your say about your care, and spread the word about Healthwatch City of London. www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk email: info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk Tel: 020 3745 9563 Facebook: facebook.com/CoLHealthwatch Twitter: @HealthwatchCoL
Portsoken Health and Community Centre, 14-16 Little Somerset Street, London E1 8AH
