Redbridge Council has called another emergency meeting to ask residents to act now to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Residents and businesses across the borough are invited to join the virtual public meeting on Thursday, December 17 to discuss ways in which to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and protect those who are being hardest hit by the pandemic.

The infection rate in Redbridge has been consistently high and is currently at 335 daily new cases per 100,000 people.

Redbridge had the worst infection rate across London for weeks but that infamous position has now been ceded to the neighbouring borough of Havering where the infection rate is currently 440, as of Tuesday, December 8.

The council has called the Act Now meeting to highlight the risk of Covid-19 across the borough and to share key information on staying safe.

Council leader Jas Athwal said: “I am proud of how the vast majority of our residents and businesses have followed the government guidelines to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours.

"Now we have a vaccine, Christmas is just around the corner, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It has been a tough year, and it is understandable that people now want to celebrate this week’s good news.

"However, the danger has not passed and we must remain cautious, otherwise we risk more hardship and tragedy in our communities.”

Cllr Mark Santos, cabinet member for health, social care, mental health and ageing and director of public health, Gladys Xavier will also be on the panel.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

  • Alert - residents and businesses of the high coronavirus infection rates in Redbridge, differences in wards, and current trends of coronavirus infection in the borough.
  • Act – outline the actions residents and business need to take in line with the High-Tier 2 Covid-19 restriction rules in place for Redbridge, staying safe over Christmas, and the importance of the ACT NOW message to keep families and loved ones safe.
  • Listen – hear residents and businesses’ views throughout the borough via a live Q&A.

The virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm.