As London moves into Tier 2, Camden Council Leader reminds residents that support is available
All London boroughs including Camden have now moved into Tier 2 which is the ‘high’ level local COVID alert.
London has now moved into Tier 2 as lockdown helped to reduce infections in most boroughs, but rates of coronavirus are still too high across the Capital. Ongoing restrictions are still needed to help bring virus rates down further in order to save lives and reduce the strain on the NHS.
If infection rates rise there is a risk that London may be placed in Tier 3 which would have a significant impact on our business and workers. Everyone can play their part in keeping our communities open and safe this holiday period by continuing to follow Public Health advice and being aware of the ongoing risk of Covid-19 in our community.
The Public Health advice which we all must continue to follow remains:
- Hands: washing your hands thoroughly
- Space: keeping 2 metres apart from people you don’t live with
- Face: wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, unless you’re exempt
- Get Tested: if you develop symptoms, self-isolate and get tested at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 (Requesting a test takes 5-10 minutes and there are plenty of appointments and test kits available)
Following public health advice is important because coronavirus usually spreads through droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. Unless you’re exempt, wearing a face covering covers up the nose and mouth, helping to prevent these droplets reaching others and preventing the spread of coronavirus. Washing your hands is important because it gets rid of these droplets, and social distancing prevents them reaching others in the first place.
Under Tier 2 (high alert) restrictions, residents must not meet indoors in any setting with anybody outside their household or support bubble. However, residents can still meet with other households outside, in gardens or outdoor spaces, providing they maintain a 2-metre social distance and stick to the ‘rule of six’. Residents are also urged to reduce the number of journeys on public transport, to work from home if possible and take extra precautions if meeting outdoors with vulnerable friends and family.
This pandemic isn’t over yet. As we move into Tier 2 it is important that we don’t forget the risk that the virus poses to our health, to our loved ones and neighbours and to the NHS. If London infection rates rise again Government has the power to increase restrictions across the City and this would have a real and significant impact on families, businesses and workers in Camden. The next couple of weeks will be critical in controlling the virus and stopping London from moving up a tier so I urge everyone in Camden to be extra careful as we move out of lockdown.
Camden communities throughout Covid have shown they are full of generosity and compassion and I know this winter will be no different. We can all play our part to make the next few months a little easier by following Public Health advice and not taking risks with our own health or that of others.
We can also all play our part by being kind and reaching out – whether to offer or ask for help. If you need any help the Council is here for you – please get in touch with us by calling 020 7974 4444 (option 9) or visiting www.camden.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Tier 2 level (high alert) restrictions will be in place from Wednesday, 2 December and means:
- Residents must not socialise indoors with anyone who is not part of their household or support bubble, whether at home or in a public space
- People can meet family and friends not in their household or support bubble in outdoor settings, but only groups of up to six people
- You should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
- Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants and can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal
- Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
- Shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector will reopen
- Schools, colleges, universities and places of worship will remain open
- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
- Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) and spectator sport and business events, is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
- Organised grassroots sport will be able to resume
Further information about the new restrictions, including information about which business can remain open and childcare are available here: gov.uk/coronavirus.