With the coronavirus finally breaching Greenwich last Monday, rising to 13 cases as of Sunday, and over 1,300 confirmed number of cases in the UK, the outbreak has inevitably had a large impact on the local community.
Local hospitals are limiting visiting numbers, GP practices are largely resorting to phone call surgeries, big gatherings and events have largely been cancelled and a small minority continue to stockpile food and cleaning items.
Schools remain open as do most work offices, but shopping centres such as Bluewater and public transport are experiencing notably less footfall as the capital adjusts to unusual circumstances.
So here's a summary of cancellations, closures and wider effects of the coronavirus here in Greenwich.
Health and hospitals
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust on Thursday announced they were restricting visitors at both Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University Lewisham Hospital to one person at a time.
No children will be allowed to visit patients to reduce the risk of infection at the hospitals, which both have had confirmed cases of Covid-19.
A number of GP practices have now moved to a telephone-only service to reduce the risk of infection.
This includes Ferryview Surgery, Blackheath Standard Surgery, Coldharbour Hill Surgeries, Eltham Medical Practice, Sherard Road Medical Centre, Abbey Wood Surgery and Station Road surgery.
This does not mean any of the above have encountered any confirmed cases of Covid-19, the only surgery which has had a patient test positive for coronavirus is Gallions Reach Health Centre which has undergone a deep clean.
NHS staff at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust continue to work around with clock to deal with confirmed and possible cases, on top of their normal workload.
Have been overwhelmed by the spirit and engagement of our amazing staff this weekend. @LG_NHS @bentravisceo @MedicalD_LGT #we’ve got this pic.twitter.com/4TzExHddH2
— Angela Helleur (@AngelaH_LGT) March 15, 2020
All hospitals, surgeries and most work places are also now advising that anyone with a continuous cough or temperature above 37.8 to not come in and self-isolate, following government advice.
Events
As confirmed by Greenwich Council, the events effected are as follows:
- London Marathon - April 26, Starts in Greenwich Park POSTPONED (until October 8)
- International Women's Day event - March 18, Woolwich Library CANCELLED
- Health Careers Fair - March 19, Abbey Wood
- Royal Greenwich Civic Awards - March, Woolwich Town Hall POSTPONED
- Citizenship ceremonies - POSTPONED
- Better Together - March 17, 30 and 31. The physical meetings have all been cancelled, and the event is being moved online.
Unless specifically told otherwise by your school, all schools are following the Government's advice and remaining open.
Today it emerged that a driver on the London Underground, based in North Greenwich, has tested positive for coronavirus, although the Tube network currently remains fully operational.
Public transport, including the Tube, has reportedly seen fewer passengers in the last few days, and central tourist locations such as Trafalgar Square and the Cutty Sark are quieter than usual.
In a statement regarding cancelled events, council leader Danny Thorpe said: "While the number of people in the UK with confirmed coronavirus remains low, the Council takes the health and safety of our residents, businesses and employees very seriously.
"And we fully understand that some people may be worried about COVID-19.
"Top medical and health professionals are working flat out across the UK and globally to tackle what has now been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.
"To support their efforts and the work of the NHS, we are taking sensible precautions to do what we can to delay the spread of the virus.”
Elsewhere
In other news, a minority of people have been stockpiling items such as toilet roll, hand sanitiser and long-life foods.
Shops such as Tesco are now implementing 'common-sense' rules for some essential items, limiting customers to two-per-person.
As of Monday, queues have been appearing as people try and stock up on supplies against general advice.
Transport for London has reported a 19% fall in passenger numbers on its network, a shortfall could cost it up to £500m, and shopping centres such as Bluewater in Kent have also been hit.
In other news, some local residents in Greenwich, Woolwich, Bexley and Dartford are setting up Facebook groups and community networks to provide support for those who need help during the outbreak.
Nationwide, music tours have ended or cancelled, festivals, book fairs, elections and markets have been delayed and the vast majority of professional sporting competitions have been postponed.
As of Sunday, there are 1,391 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, 407 in the capital, and 35 deaths.
There are 13 confirmed cases in Greenwich, 11 in Lewisham, and seven in both Bexley and Bromley.
Keep checking your local GP, NHS, council and Government websites for updates, as well as keeping an eye on the News Shopper.
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