Newham heads into 2022 in the eye of the Covid-19 Omicron storm. The Borough has been a hotspot for the rapid spread of the highly-contagious Omicron variant.

The new wave of infections is hitting jobs, local businesses and vulnerable people across the Borough.

New rules imposed on 15 December 2021 have meant compulsory mask-wearing on public transport and people having to show an NHS COVID-19 Pass – proving full vaccination status, or a negative lateral flow test – for visits to nightclubs and crowded indoor and outdoor venues.

Pubs and restaurants in Newham, like others across East London have seen bookings suffer over the holiday period.

Mr Sumon at the Thai Pie Restaurant in The Grove, Stratford, reported that bookings had collapsed in the days after the government introduced new rules. “People are scared,” he said. “Around 70 per cent of all our bookings have been cancelled. The situation is terrible.”

According to Stratford Shopping Centre manager Tony Peters the latest wave of infections “is definitely having an impact”.

London, UK. August 26, 2019.Shoppers head towards the Stratford Centre near Stratford Station in Stratford, London.

He said: “This is supposed to be peak trading time, but we’ve stayed pretty flat and it does seem particularly quiet this year.”

The sudden onset of the new variant also saw the cancellation of events to help some of the most vulnerable in the Borough.

The marketing company Mash Media had planned an event called ‘One Day at Christmas’ for 400 Newham residents who are elderly or likely to be spending Christmas alone. But the event, planned for December 14 and which included lunch, entertainment, bingo, and free transport, was cancelled at the last minute.

Keep healthy in the new year

The holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year for local health services, so it is important to remember there are a number of ways to get advice and support from the NHS in Newham.

This includes visiting your local pharmacy for help treating coughs, colds and other minor ailments, and visiting NHS 111 online or contacting your GP surgery when you have wider health concerns.

Over the holiday period Newham residents have a number of healthcare options:

Pharmacy – Many common illnesses can be most easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy.
GP appointments –People in Newham can book appointments by calling your own GP practice as usual during working hours or by calling NHS 111 when it is closed.
NHS 111 service – If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need visit NHS 111 online which is available 24 hours a day. If you cannot use the internet, call 111.

Covid-19 vaccinations are also available. For more information, visit the North East London Health and Care Partnership website.

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