Update on COVID-19 variant found in Southwark

6 April 2021

Like in a number of areas of the country, a COVID-19 variant, known as the South African variant, has recently been found in Southwark, in the South Bermondsey Ward. Southwark Council is working closely with Public Health England in response. This is a different and unrelated case to the case recently found in the Faraday Ward.

We are delivering letters to about 2,000 properties in the area (a list of postcodes where we are delivering the letters can be seen below). We’re asking residents in the wider area to take a test if they have symptoms and to consider taking a test if they don’t have symptoms.

Residents who are concerned or have any questions can email publichealth@southwark.gov.uk

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health said: “There is no cause for alarm. We are writing to residents in a defined area as a precaution because this variant of COVID-19 may be more easily passed between people. It is important residents in the area have a test if they have COVID-19 symptoms. It is also important they continue to follow the current rules on social distancing and meeting with people from outside their household.”

Further advice for residents

We’re asking residents in the area (postcodes below) to take a test if they have symptoms and to consider having a test if they don’t have symptoms.

Postcodes where we are delivering letters

SE1 3AW, SE1 3BL, SE1 3BW, SE1 5ER, SE1 5HF, SE1 5HN, SE1 5HP, SE1 5PN, SE1 5PP, SE1 5PR, SE1 5PS, SE1 5PT, SE1 5PU, SE1 5PW, SE1 5PX, SE1 5PY, SE1 5PZ, SE1 5QA, SE1 5QB, SE1 5QD, SE1 5QE, SE1 5QF, SE1 5QH, SE1 5QJ, SE1 5QL, SE1 5QQ, SE1 5QR, SE1 5QT, SE1 5QU, SE1 5QX, SE1 5RA, SE1 5RB, SE1 5RE, SE1 5RG, SE1 5RH, SE1 5RL, SE1 5RN, SE1 5RQ, SE1 5RS, SE1 5RT, SE1 5RU, SE1 5RW, SE1 5RX, SE1 5RY, SE1 5RZ, SE1 5SA, SE1 5SH, SE1 5SJ, SE1 5ST, SE1 5TA, SE1 5TB, SE1 5TD, SE1 5TJ, SE1 5TL, SE1 5TN, SE1 5TW, SE1 5TX, SE1 5TZ, SE1 5XN, SE1 5XU, SE1 5YL, SE16 3RP, SE16 3RS, SE16 3RT

Get tested if you DO HAVE symptoms

Book a free test if you do have any COVID-19 symptoms. These include:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • if you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
  •  if you feel generally unwell and fatigued

Book a test online by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

There are testing sites nearby, including sites at:

  • Burgess Park car park, Albany Road, London, SE5 0DG
  • Walworth Square, Walworth Road, London, SE17 1GA

How to get tested if you DON’T HAVE symptoms

If you don’t have symptoms you can book test at one of the following testing sites (walk-in appointments are usually available too):

  • Damilola Taylor Centre, 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 6DR
  • London Bridge Station, St Thomas Street Exit, SE1 9QU

Book a test online if you don’t have symptoms at www.southwark.gov.uk/rapidtest

Please continue to follow the current rules

Thank you for continuing to follow the current guidance. Please remember:

  • Keep a safe distance from others. Stay two metres apart from people you do not live with as much as possible. 
  • Wherever you cannot keep a safe distance from others you should wear a face covering, this includes at any busy outdoor public places.
  • Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser when you are out
  • You can meet up with others outdoors in groups of six (rule of six) or as two whole households
  • You cannot mix indoors with people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble.
  • You should continue to work from home if you can.

You can check all the current rules at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Finally, if you’re aged 50 or over (or meet other eligibility criteria), and you haven’t had your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, you can book your appointment now by visiting www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or please contact your GP.

Page last updated: 06 April 2021

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