Responding to Government's announcement that London is moving local Covid-19 level 'High', Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils said:
“The number of Covid-19 cases in London is increasing rapidly. We understand that this is a very difficult and worrying time for all Londoners - our communities, residents and businesses.
“These new restrictions are absolutely essential to keep London safe. By following them together we can all play our part in keeping ourselves, our families and communities safe, and ensure London’s economy is protected as much as possible.
“The London boroughs stand together with Londoners in the fight against Covid-19, and we are working together with the Mayor and the Government to balance the public health, economic and social impacts of this virus. London Councils and the Mayor are asking the Government for economic support for London’s businesses and the boroughs to ensure that these new measures are a success.
“Now is the time to pull together to beat the virus so that ultimately we can get our city working again and back to its creative and energetic self as soon as possible."
It is essential that Londoners all follow public health advice. Washing hands regularly with warm water, wearing a face covering and keeping a safe distance from anyone not in your household or support bubble will help stop coronavirus being transmitted to others.
Symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you have these symptoms you should self isolate immediately and apply for a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
New restrictions
The key element of the new restrictions is that we must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless we live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes, and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in that support bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together. Informal childcare can also be provided via childcare bubbles.
People may continue to see friends and family if they do not live with (or have not formed a support bubble with) outside, including in a garden or other outdoor space. When people do so, they must not meet in a group of more than 6. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.
Further information about the new restrictions, including information about which business can remain open and childcare are available here: gov.uk/coronavirus.
The new restrictions come into effect at midnight Friday 16th October.
Further information about the new restrictions, including information about which business can remain open and childcare are available here: gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
London boroughs have signed an agreement with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that there is a joined-up approach to enforcement in the capital. The boroughs are working with their communities, business and the police to engage, educate, explain, and if necessary enforce restrictions and regulations and the government must ensure that it funds this work so resources do not need to be drawn from other services.
London boroughs are also supporting vulnerable people who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including rough sleepers, those on low incomes, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities and people with care needs.
Working people on selected benefits who have been told by NHS Test & Trace to self-isolate, and will lose income as a result, are eligible to receive a £500 payment and all London boroughs are now able to process these payments. In order to receive the payment eligible individuals should apply to their local authority online. A small amount of funding has also been made available to local authorities for discretionary payments to workers with low incomes who have been told by NHS Test & Trace to self-isolate but who aren’t in receipt of the selected benefits