COVID-19 – new variant

By rff | December 1, 2021

On Sunday 28 November the government announced new measures after cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant were found in the UK. 

As well as these new measures, it is important that residents continue to get tested and vaccinated against the virus. Testing is still the best way to stop the spread and the vaccine has massively reduced the number of people becoming seriously ill from coronavirus. We continue to work with our health partners to ensure people who live and work locally have access to both testing and vaccinations.

New Covid-19 measures in place are:

  • From Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will be compulsory in shops, on public transport and in any indoor space where you will be in close proximity to others. 
  • All international arrivals to the UK must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
  • All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their vaccination status.

Stay safe

Confirmed COVID-19 cases are rising in Redbridge. There were 972 cases of people catching the virus in the borough in the seven days leading up to 23 November.

To protect yourself and others:

  • Get vaccinated and take up your Covid-19 booster jab when offered
  • Social distance in crowded places 
  • Self-isolate when instructed to do so 
  • Test regularly 
  • Let fresh air in if you meet indoors 
  • Meeting outdoors is safer.

If you have COVID symptoms make sure to go and take a PCR test. Until you have got your test results back, please reduce your social contacts with people to avoid the risk of passing COVID on. 

For more information on the government announcement please read more here.

COVID-19 vaccinations

Residents are urged not to remain unprotected from COVID-19.  Everyone over 16 is now eligible to book their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination appointment by:

  • booking via the NHS website 
  • booking by calling 119
  • visiting your local pharmacy – listed here
  • visiting one of the local vaccination centres listed on our website

All children aged 12 to 15 are also being offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 booster vaccine is also available for people aged 40 and over, who have had a second dose of a vaccine at least six months ago, at the following clinics:

  • Wednesday 1 December, 5pm-7pm, Fullwell Cross Medical Centre, IG1 2HG
  • Thursday 2 December, 5pm-7pm, Fullwell Cross Medical Centre, IG1 2HG
  • Friday 3 December, 5pm-7pm, Fulwell Cross Medical Centre, IG1 2HG
  • Saturday 4 December, 9am-7pm, Redbridge Town Hall
  • Sunday 5 December, 9am-7pm, Redbridge Town Hall

Find out more about vaccinations in Redbridge

Testing in Redbridge

By testing regularly, residents can find out early if they have the virus to stop it spreading into the community. 

Residents should take a rapid test whenever they are likely to experience increased risk, for example when spending time around others or when you are out and about in the community visiting shops or using services.

Getting tested is quick, easy, and safe. Make sure to get the right test which depends on whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or not. 

For those without COVID-19 symptoms, you can collect COVID-19 tests from 50 pharmacies in Redbridge. Find the closest to you here

To collect an LFD test kit you will need to:

  • register for a collect code via gov.uk/get-collect-code or 119 prior to making a collection from a pharmacy
  • receive no more than two test kits per request
  • be 16 years or older

You can also get a rapid test at Redbridge Central Library, Ilford IG1 1ZJ on Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (last test 4:45pm).

If you test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. Even if you are vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can pass COVID-19 on, so you should continue getting tested regularly.

If you are identified as a close contact of someone with a positive case of COVID-19, and you are fully vaccinated you must take a PCR test as soon as possible.

For those with symptoms, you can get a PCR test in the following ways:

Home test kits door-to-door

Posted in Covid