Third of Hackney residents have not had Covid vaccine – with Mayor calling for a ‘redoubling of efforts’

Hackney’s Mayor says vaccination efforts must be “redoubled” – with a third of residents yet to have their first jab.

His comments came as 11 cases of the new Covid variant Omicron were reported in the UK, including two in London.

Since the pandemic began, 533 people have died from the virus in Hackney -with four deaths in the week to 12 November.

Around 100,000 people in the borough have not had any vaccinations at all.

The emergence of the Omicron variant has seen tougher rules introduced this week which make it mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops.

People face fines if they do not wear face coverings on Tubes, buses and trains.

The number of people wearing masks dropped after the rules were relaxed in July.

Transport for London’s 500 uniformed enforcement officers and police will be on the transport network to enforce the rules.

People could be refused travel if they are in breach, and risk a £200 penalty.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Evidence shows that mask-wearing is the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid.”

Speaking about the increased vigilance, Hackney Mayor Philip Glanville said: “It’s absolutely vital that we take these measures.”

He urged people to get the vaccine or booster if they have not already.

“It’s absolutely vital that we follow the guidance,” he told last night’s cabinet meeting of senior councillors.

“There are still far too many people in Hackney who haven’t had their first or second vaccines and everyone will be redoubling their efforts around that as a priority.”

By last Saturday, 182,804 people had been vaccinated once, with 164,771 double-jabbed. Boosters had been given to 33,525 people – the majority of them over 60.

There were four seriously ill covid patients on ventilators at Hackney’s Homerton Hospital – twice the number in the previous week.

Overall, staff were caring for 24 covid patients in the week to 23 November.

People can get vaccine tests at Bentley Road Car Park in Dalston, Mare Street in Hackney Central and at the Hackney Marshes Centre in Homerton. There is also a test centre in Rookwood Road, Stamford Hill.

People can get their vaccines at the John Scott Health Centre in Woodberry Down, St Leonards Hospital in Nuttall Street and at the Bocking Street vaccination centre.

Pharmacies are also offering the vaccine.

The Spring Hill practice on Stamford Hill is running a pop-up with walk-in vaccines for over-16s on 5, 12 and 19 December from 10am – 4pm.

Children are also being offered vaccines at schools.