Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from North West London NHS - 23 October 2020
Published on: 26th October 2020
Covid-19: London moves to high alert
The rate of transmission of Covid-19 has increased across London over the last week. Almost all boroughs in NW London now have rates over 100 per 100,000 population with the number of confirmed cases doubling in some boroughs. All London boroughs have moved to a high-alert level, to help slow the spread.
Covid-related calls to 111 and the number of cases in our hospitals are slowly on the increase at present, although remain low when compared to earlier in the year. We are concerned that the age group of those testing positive may move from the younger population to older age groups where hospital admissions are likely to increase.
This means in addition to the measures that are already in place:
·People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
·People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space
·People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
We would like to reassure patients and the public that we have been working hard over the last few weeks to prepare for a second wave and plans are in place to support care homes, primary, community, mental health and hospital care.
Across health services in North West London we have learnt a lot form the first wave and we are in the best possible place to continue to treat patients safely and effectively through the weeks and months ahead.
If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of/change in taste or smell) please immediately self-isolate and book a free test online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
We will open this newsletter with our dos and don’ts for the virus. Please read this information carefully so we can all play our part. There is also updated advice on accessing our services and we have a reminder of the key messages around flu. NHS England and NHS Improvement have highlighted North West London’s Keeping Well Service as an example of best practice and we round off the newsletter with information about this.
