Camden Council Leader’s message to residents as London moves to Covid-19 Tier 2
Camden residents are being urged to follow new Covid-19 rules after the Government announced that all of London will move into the ‘high’ alert level from midnight tomorrow (Friday October 16).
That means Camden – alongside the rest of London – will become a Tier 2 area and new rules will be in place to keep our borough safe.
The most important new rules in Camden and across London is that residents must not meet indoors in any setting with anybody outside their household or support bubble. 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’.
The number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly across London, which is why it is necessary further restrictions must be put in place to keep Camden safe.
We understand that, for many of our residents, this news will be difficult and worrying to hear. However taking further action now is essential to protect our communities and to save lives.
Please remember that you are not alone and we are here if you need help. We are absolutely committed to making sure every one of our residents gets the support they need to get through this challenging period.
From financial support for our local businesses, helping residents if they need self-isolate, to ensuring all our residents can access the food and medicine they need, we are here. There is also help available if you need with your work and job needs or with your children’s education and caring responsibilities. Whatever it may be, please get in touch with us by calling 020 7974 4444 (option 9) or visiting www.camden.gov.uk/coronavirus.
We know that these restrictions will have a significant impact on our local economy which is why Camden is calling on government to put forward a financial package to help our communities and struggling businesses through the coming months. Our Frontline Presence Team are also visiting every business in the Borough to provide advice and support on how to operate in line with Government guidance. However we know this is a difficult time for businesses and would encourage anyone with concerns to get in contact with us to discuss what support might be available.
For the last few months, Camden residents, business owners and workers have made personal sacrifices and played their part to slow the spread of this terrible virus but it’s now more important than ever that we continue to work together and follow these new restrictions to protect ourselves and our communities.
Finally thank you to all our residents, your efforts will save lives and help keep Camden safe. Together we can get through this – please get in touch if you need help.
Residents are also reminded to keep each other safe by:
- Washing hands regularly with warm, soapy water
- Wearing a face covering in indoor, public spaces and on public transport that covers both the nose and mouth
- Following Government guidelines and restrictions
- Maintaining social distancing rules from people outside your household
- If you develop symptoms to self-isolate and apply for a test by calling 119.
Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If residents need support to self-isolate, please call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
Residents may also be eligible for a one-off payment of £500 – called a Test and Trace support payment - to support you to self-isolate and to make up for lost income. More info at www.camden.gov.uk/apply-for-test-and-trace-support-payment
You can also find information about the wide range of support we offer at www.camden.gov.uk/coronavirus.
What are the high level/Tier 2 lockdown restrictions?
London has now moved to the high level COVID alert/Tier 2. The new restrictions come into force at midnight on Friday 16 October, however residents are advised to start following them as soon as possible to help slow the spread of the virus.
The new restrictions mean:
- People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place such as a restaurant or bar
- Rule of Six applies to private gardens and outdoor spaces, but you must follow social distancing rules
- Pubs and restaurants remain open but must close at 10pm and there can be no mixing of households
- All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner
- Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
- Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed
- People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
Further information about the new restrictions, including information about which business can remain open and childcare are available here: gov.uk/coronavirus.