Wishing all of Westminster a safe and happy New Year��

[MyWestminster Updates]

The latest from Westminster City Council

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/


** Friday 31 December 2021
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A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL: We start the New Year once more in the unwelcome shadow of COVID-19. Our handrail to recovery out of this pandemic is vaccination. London is a major location for the Omicron outbreak, so getting jabs in arms across the capital is an urgent mission.

While London has avoided the more stringent restrictions in place elsewhere in the UK, the strains on the capital’s economy, our residents and our businesses are evident. People are worried about their jobs, their futures, the opportunities for their children.

In this worrying time, the Council is here to protect all our residents – whether that is providing advice for people struggling with bills, looking after vulnerable people in our care homes or those who can’t get out easily and so look forward to a visit from our Westminster Connects team.

COVID-19 is challenging us, but I am convinced the spirit of our amazing residents will once more pull us through.

Happy New year, and my best wishes to everyone for 2022.

Please click here to read my full New Year’s message. (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/leader-councils-new-year-message)


** Public Health Updates
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-summer-2021-roadmap/coronavirus-how-to-stay-safe-and-help-prevent-the-spread
CHANGES TO ISOLATION PERIOD FOLLOWING A POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST: As of Tuesday 22 December, the isolation period following a positive test result for people who are fully vaccinated has changed. You can now leave self-isolation after 7 days provided you:
* have a negative lateral flow test result on day six and seven after symptoms began and/or after a positive test result
* don’t have an ongoing high temperature

Unvaccinated adults, or adults who have only had one vaccine dose, must continue to self-isolate for 10 days.

Read the full guidance and latest information on the GOV.UK website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#get-tested-and-self-isolate-if-required)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccinations-available-westminster
GET FULLY VACCINATED THIS WINTER: The best thing we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones this winter is to get fully vaccinated, including getting the booster when eligible. First, second, third and booster COVID-19 vaccines are available for all those eligible (third vaccines are for those with severely suppressed immunity). You can book your vaccination by visiting the NHS vaccination website (https://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination) or calling NHS 119, free of charge. You can also find out about all the centres and pharmacy sites in Westminster (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccinations-available-westminster) where you can get your vaccine on our website. Please remember to always wear a face covering at any vaccination site and if possible, take a rapid lateral flow test before you go. Please stay at home if you are unwell and rebook your appointment.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
FLU VACCINATION: The flu vaccine is offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill. If you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet and are eligible, book your vaccine on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/) , or walk-in to a COVID-19 vaccination centre where flu vaccines are also being offered.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-without-symptoms
KEEP SAFE, KEEP TESTING: Alongside getting fully vaccinated, testing is the best way to protect everyone. You should test regularly even if you have been vaccinated. Taking a free rapid lateral flow test (LFT) before a period of higher risk – such as visiting family and friends, particularly those who are vulnerable – will give you peace of mind that you are unlikely to be infectious with COVID-19, and that you are unlikely to spread the virus.
* Find the locations and opening hours of symptom-free testing sites in Westminster and how to collect or order test kits here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-without-symptoms) .
* Find the locations and opening hours of symptomatic (PCR) testing sites in Westminster here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-symptoms) .

If you feel unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate immediately and get tested. Remember, tests must be booked in advance at NHS online (http://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus) or by calling 119.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccinations-available-westminster
FESTIVE TESTING AND VACCINE CENTRE OPENING HOURS: Please note, there will be some changes to the opening hours of testing and vaccine centres in Westminster between Monday 20 December to Tuesday 4 January. Please visit the following web pages to find the latest information:
* Vaccine centres (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccinations-available-westminster)
* The vaccine bus (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/vaccine-bus)
* Symptom-free testing centres (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-without-symptoms)
* Symptomatic testing centres (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-symptoms)

SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19: This winter, there are simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others and reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes:
* getting fully vaccinated (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/vaccinations) , including getting your COVID-19 booster vaccination when eligible
* letting fresh air in if you meet indoors, meeting outdoors is safer
* getting tested before periods of higher risk (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-without-symptoms) such as visiting vulnerable people or going to a crowded event, and self-isolate if required
* getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/tests-people-symptoms) and self-isolating
* wearing a face covering in most indoor public settings (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own) , as well as on public transport, unless exempt
* washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitiser when out and about
* trying to stay at home if you’re feeling unwell
* using the NHS COVID-19 app (https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/)


** A Safe and Healthy New Year
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/soho-angels
HELP END THE NIGHT RIGHT: Putting the safety of residents and visitors to Westminster is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we decided to return the Soho Angels in December as people enjoyed the festive spirit on the vibrant streets of Soho. Thanks to these volunteers who willingly gave up their Friday nights to ensure residents and visitors got home safely, we were able to help decrease crime and prevent trips to A&E. As a Soho Angel, you’ll gain training on how to care for vulnerable people, as Ellie explains in this video (https://youtu.be/U-D6vmrkoFk) . The team is looking to expand in the New Year to cover more areas of Westminster, so if you can spare a Friday evening, then why not volunteer for 2022 (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/soho-angels) and help others to #endthenightright (https://twitter.com/hashtag/endthenightright) ?
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents/mental-health-support
LOOKING AFTER YOUR WELLBEING: Winter can often result in feelings of anxiety, loneliness or depression for many people, especially with the current COVID-19 situation also affecting our lives. Remember that help is always available. Whether you need someone to talk to or support with your mental health and wellbeing, please speak your GP or visit our website for a range of support services (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents/mental-health-support) .
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proposed-refurbishment-for-seymour-leisure-centre-tickets-225147601537
SEYMOUR LEISURE CENTRE – HEAR OUR PLANS: With more than 600 responses to our proposals for the refurbishment of Seymour Leisure Centre, in January we will be hosting an online event (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proposed-refurbishment-for-seymour-leisure-centre-tickets-225147601537) to provide residents with an update. We’re committed that our investment in Seymour Leisure Centre will provide new and improved modern facilities for the entire community to enjoy – including a new home for Marylebone Library – while maintaining the building’s distinctive art deco character and architectural features. At the 18 January online event we’ll talk you through our next steps and answer any questions. Sign up now (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proposed-refurbishment-for-seymour-leisure-centre-tickets-225147601537) .


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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/businesses/coronavirus-helping-hand-businesses

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents

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