Government announces national lockdown – Islington Council statement

We must stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS, leaving home only to:

• Shop for basic necessities
• Go to work, or provide voluntary or charity services, if you cannot do so from home
• Exercise on your own, with your household or support bubble or one other person – this should be limited to once per day, and in your local area
• Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble, where necessary
• Seek medical assistance (including Covid tests) or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm, including domestic abuse
• Attend education or childcare, for those eligible

For full guidance see gov.uk

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “Coronavirus is spreading fast in Islington and London, and the more it spreads the more serious ill health and death we will see in our communities.  We’re in a dangerous situation, with growing pressure on our NHS and local hospitals as more people become ill.

“It’s right that the Prime Minister has listened to public health advice about surging cases and tonight announced new measures to help bring this deadly disease under control. We all need to do everything we can to stop Covid from spreading, to help keep our loved ones safe, and to help protect our NHS.

“We know what an incredibly hard time this is for so many of our residents.  If you need help or support, we’re here. If you need help with your shopping, collecting medicines, or you have money worries, or if you need a chat or support, call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.  We’re so proud of how so many people have stood together during the pandemic to look out for each other, and we will continue through the weeks ahead.

“These are especially challenging times for businesses, after a very difficult time last year, and together with other leaders in London I am again calling for Government to give businesses the support they desperately need.

“There is light ahead, as vaccines are rolled out – but for now we are again in a very dangerous time. We all need to do everything we can to stop the surging coronavirus cases, and keep everyone in our community safe.”

Notes to Editors

We must all stay at home as much as possible to help stop the virus spreading, and to help protect our loved ones and the NHS.

If you do need to go out for one of the permitted reasons:

• Make space – stay 2 metres apart from people who aren’t in your household or bubble - this helps stop the virus spreading between people
• Wash your hands - regularly and for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home– this washes virus off your hands and helps stop it spreading
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth to stop the virus spreading - in public places, including in shops or public transport

Know the symptoms of Covid-19 - a high temperature, or a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste and get tested if you have any of the three symptoms

Testing is quick, easy and free – Islington has two testing sites for people with any of the symptoms, which the council made sure were opened to help our residents.  Getting a test is free and simple – nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119  

We can support you if you have to self-isolate, or need help because of coronavirus: phone We Are Islington on 020 7527 8222 to find out more – help with emergency food deliveries, shopping, financial support, benefits.