Dear residents and workers,

We hope this letter finds you safe and well.

We recently marked a year on from the first lockdown which was a time of sober reflection for us all.

These past 12 months have been hugely challenging for people across the country and our thoughts are with those who have lost friends and family during the pandemic.

At this challenging time, it is important we all keep up the good work and continue to follow the rules in order to reduce transmission, save lives and protect the NHS.

That includes continuing measures like washing hands, wearing face coverings, keeping your two-metre distance from others and remembering the importance of fresh air in reducing the spread of the virus.

Meeting up

There is growing light at the end of the tunnel, which we are all extremely grateful for, especially as we are now all able to meet up in groups of six or with one other household outside.

We cautiously welcome the fact those shielding no longer need to but continue to be advised to stay at home as much as possible; and next week, on April 12, we look forward to the planned reopening of hospitality businesses and non-essential shops.

Testing

Everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid test twice a week from April 9.

Testing remains a crucial tool in tackling COVID-19, and the City hosts test sites for those with and without symptoms. Home testing kits are also available to collect for eligible residents.

More details are available at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/covid19testing

We are also urging businesses with more than 10 employees that cannot offer on-site COVID testing to sign up for rapid home test kits. You must register by 12 April at www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests

Support

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are told to self-isolate, but you are not able to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating, you may be eligible for a £500 payment. You can call the City Corporation on 020 7332 3937 to find out more.

If you cannot arrange for food, medication and other essential items to be delivered while you and your household self-isolate, please let the City Corporation know. You can do this by emailing col-covid-19@cityoflondon.gov.uk, or by calling 020 7606 3030.

You can also call City Advice for help with food, benefits advice and debt on 020 7392 2919, or email them at city.advice@toynbeehall.org.uk

Vaccinations

Thousands of those living in the City have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, and more than 200 million people across the world have now safely had theirs too.

For our residents and workers, we are delighted to add that a community pharmacy vaccination site has opened at Boots, 120 Fleet Street – the Square Mile’s first, dedicated vaccination site. You must book an appointment via the national booking service and be in an eligible group.

All COVID vaccines are available free of charge from the NHS, you will never be asked to pay for a vaccination and everyone in an eligible group can be vaccinated regardless of whether they are registered with a GP or their immigration status.

They’ve been through rigorous clinical trials, tested on hundreds of thousands of people here in the UK and worldwide, and have been approved by the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Getting your vaccine as soon as you are offered it will protect you, your family, and those you care for.

See www.NHS.uk/covidvaccine for the current eligibility criteria, and information on how to book.

Second Vaccinations

It is important that you have your second dose 12 weeks after your initial vaccination, and this will be provided at the same location where you had your first vaccination. If you were vaccinated at St Bartholomew’s Hospital you now need to contact them to make your second appointment by emailing bartshealth.vaccinationssbh@nhs.net.

If you were vaccinated at any other location they will have advised of your second date or they will contact you direct to make your appointment eight to 10 weeks after your first appointment. However, if it is more than 11 weeks since your vaccination and you have not had your second date confirmed then please ring 020 8356 3111 (option 4).

Finally, we would like to thank all residents and workers in the Square Mile during these difficult times.

William Russell
Lord Mayor of the City of London

Catherine McGuinness
City of London Corporation Policy Chair