Dr Samira Hassan on a COVID-19 Q&A for London's Somali community
On Thursday 25 February 2021, Camden and Hackney Councils held "Staying safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic", a virtual information evening for London's Somali community. Presenter and broadcaster Abdihafid Mahamud Jama hosted it on Zoom and YouTube, with a phone line so that people without the internet could join from a landline.
Dr Samira Hassan, GP and BSMA Vice-President, was on the panel with Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London at Public Health England; Dr Said Isse, consultant respiratory physician and trustee of SYDRC; Dr Abdisamad Ali, consultant respiratory physician; Councillor Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils and Leader of Camden Council; Dr Councillor Abdullah Gulaid, Mayor of Ealing; and Councillor Awale Olad of Camden Council.
The evening covered staying safe during the pandemic, what to do if you or someone you live with catches COVID-19, information on the COVID-19 vaccine to help people make an informed choice when their turn came, COVID-19 data for London's Somali community, and bereavement support, with time for the audience's questions.
The next day we thanked the panel and the organisers for "this COVID Q&A in Somali! It's great to see the teamwork between local government and the community to make sure we protect as many people as we can."