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Dear resident
Yesterday, the government announced an increase in Covid-19 restrictions for London, moving the capital to the ‘High’ tier. The restrictions come into force at midnight tonight (Friday 16th October). The restrictions come after official figures for London have shown that all boroughs have a rate of higher than 50 cases per 100,000 population and increased positivity rates. Cases in Lambeth currently stand at 92.5 people per 100,000 people.
The ‘High’ level restricts mixing between households indoors, apart from in support bubbles. This includes private homes, and any other indoor venue such as pubs and restaurants. The 10pm curfew for hospitality venues remains in place. People may continue to see friends and family they do not live with (or have not formed a support bubble with) outside, including in a garden or other outdoor space. When people do so, they must not meet in a group of more than 6. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.
As I said in my email to you earlier this week, the new restrictions are necessary to get this under control and to protect Londoners and our NHS. I urge all Lambeth residents to follow the rules and to abide by the public health advice – washing their hands, wearing a mask in required settings like shops and public transport and socially distancing from those outside their households. If you have coronavirus symptoms you must isolate yourself at home and get tested. This is critical to stopping the spread of the virus. If you are asked to self-isolate by NHS test and trace please follow this advice even if you feel well as it will protect those around you.
I have been clear to government that new restrictions must go hand in hand with additional economic support to protect businesses that have struggled already so much due to the pandemic. The government’s own scientific advice makes the case for a stricter national lockdown for a short period of time – a so-called “circuit breaker”. I share that view and urge the government to follow the advice so that Lambeth residents can remain safe.
In Lambeth, we are stepping up our role in the testing and contract tracing programmes, ensuring residents are aware of the new restrictions and putting in place plans to ensure businesses and residents follow them.
In March, our collective efforts and sacrifices helped to stop what at the time appeared to be an unstoppable rise in cases. I believe that if we follow the advice and exercise caution and judgement, we can do so again and help to protect our friends, family and neighbours.
Further information about the new restrictions, including information about which business can remain open and childcare are available here: gov.uk/coronavirus.
Best wishes,
Cllr Jack Hopkins
Leader of Lambeth council
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