Work still to be done to combat virus says Fleur Anderson
Fleur Anderson and her son at the vaccination centre at Queen Mary's hospital
Fleur Anderson is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated after record-breaking day in London sees 23,000 new cases.
This Thursday (16 December) saw the highest number of people test positive in a single day in the capital since the pandemic began.
Infections rates are spiralling across London, and the numbers now sit at 660 infections per 100,000 people, with a week-on-week growth of 30%.
In Wandsworth, 90.2% of eligible people have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 82.9% have received their second dose. Only 46.1% of 12-15 year olds in South West London have received their first dose, so there is still work to do over the Christmas period according to the Putney MP.
There is only booster jab data available for the over-50s at present. Only 74.6% of people over the age of 80 in South West London have had their booster dose. Some vaccination centres will open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year to push up the numbers.
Ms Anderson said, “In the run-up to Christmas, as infection rates are rising rapidly, I would encourage all of you to get vaccinated, get your booster jabs and follow the latest guidance.
“In Parliament this week, I voted in favour of the new Plan B measures. That means wearing a mask on public transport and in public spaces and working from home where possible. It also requires you to show proof of vaccination or a negative test for large venues and events.
“Let me be clear, these are not ‘vaccine passports’. We fought hard to include the option of showing a negative test. It is a proportionate response to the scale of the public health crisis.
At the moment, the infections are still a mix of the Delta and Omicron strains, but this week 73% of positive tests showed markers for Omicron. The rises are most concentrated in younger age groups, but infections are increasing across the board.
The data is pointing towards Omicron being much more transmissible. It is too early to speak conclusively, but the data also indicates that two doses of the vaccine are less effective at protecting against Omicron infection. The booster is showing a solid increase in vaccine effectiveness.
There has been a slow rise in hospital and ICU admissions, but very early indications are showing that two doses are still providing some protection against serious illness.
Ms Anderson added, “Get yourself lateral flow tests and test yourself as often as possible. Do everything you can to keep yourself and those around you safe.
“Everyone over the age of 18 needs to come forward and get the booster now. If you haven’t been vaccinated at all yet, it is not too late! It has been really encouraging this week to see a big increase in people across London coming forward for their first dose.
“This has to be a collective effort. I have taken the lead on Labour's response to the Covid-19 inquiry, which has meant engaging with bereaved families groups. The last thing I want to see is their numbers increasing any further.
"Do everything you can to protect your loved ones this Christmas. And think of those nurses, postal workers, shopworkers, vaccination volunteers, and all key workers who will be giving up their festive period and putting themselves at risk to keep us safe and healthy. "
Covid-19 vaccine and booster walk-in sessions are available at Southside Shopping Centre on Wandsworth High Street between 8.30am to 5.30pm on Friday 17 , Saturday 18, Sunday 19 December .
Every adult aged 18+ needs to get a booster vaccine and can book here.
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December 17, 2021
