Stay at home - London moves into Tier 4 – please act now to protect your loved ones
The Government has announced Islington and all London boroughs will move into tough new Tier 4 restrictions tomorrow (Sunday 20 December) because of soaring cases of coronavirus, and risk of serious illness and death.
We must stay at home as much as possible to help stop the virus spreading. All non-essential shops, hair and beauty salons, indoor gyms and leisure facilities will close. There will be restrictions on travel, and people should not enter or leave Tier 4 areas.
We cannot join or form a Christmas bubble or meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas period, unless we live with them or they are part of our existing support bubble. Outdoors, we can meet one person from another household, in an open public space.
For full Tier 4: Stay at Home guidance see gov.uk
Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “Coronavirus is spreading fast within Islington and London, and the more the virus spreads, the more serious illness and death we will see in our communities. There are serious concerns about rising numbers of people in hospital and pressure on our NHS.
“The situation is very dangerous, and it’s right that the Prime Minister has listened to public health experts and leaders in London who have said more needed to be done to help save lives and protect our NHS.
“Today’s news is so desperately difficult for so many people who had hoped to spend Christmas with family and loved ones - but we face a public health emergency. We must all stay at home as much as possible. It’s vital we all do our bit and do everything we can to protect each other, stop the virus spreading and stop the risk of serious illness and death spreading in our communities.
“Alongside other leaders in London, I am calling for the Government to give the support that businesses in Islington desperately need to help them through an incredibly challenging time, at the end of a very difficult year.
“Islington is a very special community and we’re incredibly proud of how everyone who lives and works in the borough has pulled together and done their bit to keep Islington safe this year. If you’re told to isolate please do not leave your home. If you need help with your shopping, collecting medicines, or you have money worries, call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, 7 days a week, 9am-5pm even over Christmas.”
We will keep www.islington.gov.uk/coronavirus up-to-date with latest information about the new restrictions and any changes to council services.
Notes to editors
We can all help stop the virus spreading, and protect our loved ones.
Please stay at home as much as possible to help stop the virus spreading.
- 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 - 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: phone We Are Islington on 020 7527 8222 to find out more – help with emergency food deliveries, shopping, financial support, benefits.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.