Dear Newham Resident.
Sadly there are now 250 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Newham, a rise of 55 cases since Saturday. In London, the figure is 6,521 confirmed cases highlighting how it is spreading at an alarming rate. Across the country, 1,408 deaths have been confirmed including two doctors who contracted Covid-19 while treating patients.
My condolences to all these grieving families whose lives have been ruptured by coronavirus which is affecting us all.
Today I joined other Council leaders in the capital urging the Health Secretary to speed up testing and the supply of protective equipment for social care staff on the frontline - so that these vital carers are safeguarded, as are elderly residents living in care homes or receiving personal care.
Later this week, the emergency NHS Nightingale Hospital London over at ExCeL in the Royal Docks will be receiving its first patients – an initial 500 patients with coronavirus, but thousands more are expected. I recognise the important role that the hospital will play in saving lives as part of a national effort by our heroic NHS doctors and nurses, but understand that some residents may be worried.
The hospital will be a sterile, clinically clean, environment and staff will wear protective equipment when tending to patients with the Covid-19 virus to minimise the risk of them being infected themselves and potentially passing infection on.
As with any hospital that cares for patients with infectious diseases, it has to adhere to the strictest infection control policies. This ensures the safety of staff who work there, suppliers, and local residents. NHS Nightingale Hospital London is no different in this regard, and the safety of patients, staff and members of the community is of the utmost importance. We’ve produced answers to some frequently asked questions, which you can find at www.newham.gov.uk/Nightingale.
Another worry for some residents in Newham is the plight of loved ones who are currently overseas and desperate to get home – and my 73-year old mum is one of them! So I was especially pleased to hear of the £75 million package to rescue hundreds of thousands of British nationals stranded abroad because of the coronavirus pandemic. While we await the details, the planned mixture of charter flights to ‘priority countries’ and affordable seats on commercial airlines from countries where they are still running is a welcomed relief.
Finally, please keep up with guidance to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and stop unnecessary journeys by staying at home.
Stay well.