Clinics providing jabs over the festive season
Redbridge Council is working with local GPs and health workers to run vaccination clinics over the Christmas period including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Getting vaccinated is still our best protection against becoming seriously ill from Covid-19. It helps to keep your loved ones safer too, as research shows being vaccinated reduces the likelihood of you spreading the virus.
Getting vaccinated – two doses plus the booster jab – is the only way to prevent those who catch the virus from becoming seriously ill. This is especially the case during winter when our immunity is naturally weaker, so getting the booster vaccine is an essential part of supporting your immune defence this season.
The booster also reduces the likelihood of you being admitted to hospital as a result of Covid-19; as 82% of people critically ill in hospital with Covid-19 have not been vaccinated. Find out more about vaccinations in Redbridge
Ventilation helps stop the spread of COVID-19
If you are spending Christmas with family and friends please protect yourselves and your loved ones by opening windows and doors.
Good ventilation is one way of reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in your home or enclosed spaces.
Coronavirus is spread through the air via large droplets and smaller particles. By opening windows regularly throughout the day, and allowing fresh air to enter, you can remove the particles that are lingering in the air so work colleagues and loved ones can't breathe them in.
New isolation rules
The self-isolation advice for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed. It is now possible to end self-isolation after 7 days, following 2 negative LFD tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the sixth day.
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:
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- 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 from 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:
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- Gants Hill Library Car Park - Please visit the Gants Hill Library testing centre page for full information on getting tested.
- Charteris Car Park - Please visit the Charteris Car Park testing centre page for full information on getting tested.
- Mobile testing units
Thank you to everyone who is playing a part in keeping us safe.
Redbridge Council
