Haringey coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
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Reflecting on a year of change
Haringey is marking the first National Day of Reflection with a minutes silence and other special tributes, as we look back on an unprecedented year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and remember those we have lost, support those in need and hope for a brighter future.
It is now exactly one year since the first UK lockdown was declared to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infections.
Communities around the country will be marking the day in their own ways, and in Haringey we will be changing our social media platform banners to yellow and local landmarks Alexandra Palace and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be illuminated in yellow to show the borough’s support.
Participants are encouraged to join a national minute of silence: the first will be at 12 noon and the second takes place at 8pm as we band together to light up the night - stand outside with a light of any kind to remember those who have passed and show support for those who are grieving.
Haringey’s Mayor, Cllr Adam Jogee, will observe the noon silence outside George Meehan House in Wood Green.
During the first lockdown, Haringey was able to send thousands of food parcels from our food hubs at Alexandra Palace and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to vulnerable people across the borough, thanks to donations from local businesses and hard-working local volunteers.
The council was also able to provide people sleeping rough with emergency accommodation, regardless of their local connection, immigration status, eligibility or priority need.
Cllr Adam Jogee, Mayor of Haringey, said:
I invite Haringey’s residents to join me in observing the minute’s silence, as we remember those who we have lost to the Covid-19 pandemic during the past year, and also give thanks to the healthcare and essential workers throughout the country to whom we owe so much.
It’s been a tough year, but I’m incredibly proud of and encouraged by how Haringey’s communities have come together to care for one another during a time of need.
New local PCR testing site opens in Haringey
A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at The Chocolate Factory Car Park (N22 6XJ) in Haringey, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
Testing at this site is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The government is committed to continue expanding the capacity of the network of UK test sites and laboratories to make it even easier to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results.
The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new site will start on Tuesday, 16 March, with appointments made available each day.
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 750,000 tests a day and includes more than 1000 sites across the UK, including 90 drive-through sites, 514 walk-through sites, six Lighthouse laboratories, home testing and satellite kits, and a large number of mobile units.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for ten days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said:
“To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
Dr Will Maimaris, Director of Public Health at Haringey Council said:
“We are really pleased to see the expansion of our coronavirus testing capacity in the borough, particularly with it being a walk-through site, offering better access to testing for our communities.
“It is extremely important that anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, should get tested as soon as possible and self-isolate while waiting for results.
“In addition, now that schools are back, all households or childcare bubbles of school children, college students or staff in education settings should get tested regularly, ideally twice a week, at one of our rapid lateral flow testing sites. This is to ensure that we identify anyone infected by COVID-19, but not experiencing symptoms, which accounts for about one in three people who are infected.”
Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said:
“Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running. Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Haringey, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safe for residents
Haringey’s Director of Public Health Dr Will Maimaris, has a reassuring message for residents about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and its safety.
Dr Maimaris is urging everyone to continue getting the jab when it is your turn to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the people of Haringey from the COVID-19 virus.
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See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
Visit the Gov.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
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