The Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery has opened up its venue in Redbridge as a pop-up Covid-19 vaccination centre and has so far jabbed more than 200 people.

Working with Redbridge Council, North East London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Healthwatch Redbridge, Gardens of Peace has offered those eligible the opportunity to receive their Covid-19 vaccination in a different surrounding, while adhering to current social distancing measures.

To show its commitment to the vaccination programme and a desire to play an active role in the community, Gardens of Peace has hosted its pop-up centre on three separate days, the third of which was on Saturday 24 April, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mohamed Omer MBE, Gardens of Peace Board Member for External Affairs, said: “It was extremely important to us to host one of the days during Ramadan, as we want to show our Muslim community that it is absolutely fine to receive the vaccine while fasting. The British Islamic Medical Association has approved all three vaccines currently available in the UK (Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer).

“We want to protect individuals and our communities as much as we possibly can, so I am delighted with how successful this has been. However, I want to stress that our pop-up Covid-19 vaccine centre is not just for the Muslim community, it is open to all who would like to take advantage of this option.”

Describing the atmosphere as ‘very relaxed, extremely happy and harmonious’, Mohamed added that those who received their jab at the Gardens of Peace, were able to do so in ‘pleasant surroundings where they feel at ease’. Male and female doctors were also present to answer any queries or concerns.

Nadhim Zahawi MP, Minister for Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment, recently visited Gardens of Peace during one of its vaccination days to pay tribute to those working and to see first-hand how successful the programme has been across north east London, where one million vaccinations have now been given.

Mohamed also expressed his thanks to those delivering the vaccination rollout: “The current vaccination centres available across north east London are all fantastic and we would like to thank the staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect our loved ones.”

Due to the success of the pop-up centre at Gardens of Peace, Mohamed, who has been vaccinated himself, explained: “We are planning additional dates but these have not yet been confirmed. Once the date is set, those eligible can register through their GP.

“I want to thank Redbridge Council, the CCG and Healthwatch Redbridge for working together and making this possible. It has been a joint effort by the citizens of Redbridge to protect our borough.

“Finally, I’d like to say even if you have received your vaccination, please continue to adhere to the current social distancing guidelines. While we know better days are ahead, the fight against Covid-19 is not over.”