New lockdown restrictions - stay at home to save lives

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Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives

New lockdown restrictions - stay at home to save lives

Coronavirus is spreading fast in Islington and London. The more the virus spreads, the more serious ill health and deaths 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. Between 23 - 29 December, there were 1,670 new confirmed cases in Islington.

England has entered a national lockdown. 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

The full guidance can be found on the Gov.uk website. Support bubble and childcare bubble rules remain in place.

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, has said: "It’s right that the Prime Minister has listened to public health advice about surging cases and last night 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." You can read his full statement

We will keep our website up to date with latest information about the new restrictions and any changes to council services


Act now

Play your part

Cases in London are higher than ever and it is vital that everyone who lives or works in the borough acts now to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community from this terrible disease.  

Everyone can play their part. If you must go out, the most important thing that we can do is to keep 2 metres apart from anyone you do not live with, avoid busy areas, and wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, especially in shops and on public transport. You should also wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. 

If you are at home with your family or support bubble, it is also important to open your windows regularly to let fresh air in.


Lady coughing

Get tested

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.

Getting a test is free and simple - nhs.uk.coronavirus or call 119. There are local testing centres in the borough. If you test positive, you must stay at home and self isolate for 10 days so that you don’t spread Covid to your family and others.


Woman on phone

Help and support

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 throughout this ongoing crisis.

If you need help with your shopping, collecting medicines, or you have money worries, call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, seven days a week, 9am-5pm. 

Many of our residents will be worried about the financial impact this unprecedented situation might have on them and their families, especially if they test positive and have to self-isolate. Information about Test and Trace Support Payments, as well as other forms of support, can be found on our website

If you want some help to keep your child learning at home you might find our learning resources site useful. You’ll find lots of practical tips and downloadable information packs there. If you need help printing any of this information, your school should be able to help.

If your child is eligible for free school meals under the government’s scheme, your school will continue to provide you with vouchers for the moment. Please contact your school as usual to order them. We will keep you updated in line with government guidance. You can find advice on applying for free school meals on our website.


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