More than 50,000 people in Sutton have now received their first Covid-19 vaccination – a quarter of the borough’s population.

Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on residents in the borough with more than 15,000 cases of positive tests – an average of one person in every five homes and 453 people dying.

As of Sunday, February 28, there were 137 people in hospital with Covid-19 at Epsom and St Helier hospitals including 12 who are seriously ill on ventilators.

Council leader Ruth Dombey has had the first dose of the vaccination herself and is urging others to take it up when offered.

She said it “didn’t hurt at all” and said the sooner more people are vaccinated the sooner we can hug our friends and family again.

So far in Sutton, 22,0000 people over 70 have had their first dose as well as 28,000 people aged 16-69.

Picture provided by NHS South West London CCG

Picture provided by NHS South West London CCG

Councillor Dombey said: “The lives of residents across Sutton have been upended by this crisis, particularly families of the 453 people who have very sadly died from coronavirus.

“Sutton’s NHS workers have just been incredible in beating back the virus. I’ve seen their dedication first hand, having had the jab myself. As Her Majesty The Queen said, ‘it doesn’t hurt at all’.

“The news that over 50,000 residents have now had their first dose of the vaccine is a fantastic milestone, but there’s a long way to go yet. The more people take up the offer of the vaccine, the sooner we can hug our families and friends again.