Croydon reaches grim milestone with more than 1,000 dead after contracting Covid-19

By Tara O’Connor, local democracy reporter

Croydon has now reached a grim milestone in the coronavirus pandemic with more than 1,000 dying after contracting the virus.

The borough was one of the worst hit at the height of the pandemic and more than 580 people died after being admitted to Croydon University Hospital with Covid-19.

Director of public health at Croydon Council, Rachel Flowers, said: “It is truly devastating to think of the true cost of this pandemic – the loss of human life within our own community, our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. We will always remember them.

“My deepest sympathies are with everyone who has lost a loved one in the past year. We cannot forget all that we have been through, as individuals and as a community, with so many among us having suffered bereavement.

“As we rebuild, we must do everything we can to care for and support each other. Also, to prevent any further loss of life. Let’s keep moving forward, but do so with great care.”

There are currently 13 Covid-19 patients in the hospital, none of whom are on ventilation.

For the seven days up to Friday, April 29 there was a rate of 15.8 cases per 100,000 in the borough a slight decrease from the week before which saw a rate of 19 cases per 100,000 for the week up to April 23.

Cases have dropped significantly from the peak which at its worst saw a rate of 665 cases per 100,000 for the seven days up to January 1.

Croydon Council leader Hamida Ali said Croydon has experienced “an indescribable loss as a community”.

She added: “This grim milestone is also a stark reminder of what this virus can do.

“We cannot alter what has happened, but by coming together to reflect, I hope we can help each other to heal while strengthening our resolve to do everything within our power to protect ourselves and others.”