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Dear resident

From today, England is moving into a new period of national restrictions, until Wednesday 2 December. This means that once again, we should all stay at home as much as possible and work from home if we can.

While this is hard for everyone, it is really important that we all stick to the rules, so together we can reduce the number of people who are catching the virus, protect our families, friends and neighbours, and save lives.

The laws that the Government is introducing for this period mean you should only leave your home for specific purposes. These include to:

• Attend school, education or childcare
• Exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place
• Attend medical appointments or for any medical concerns or emergencies, including a booked Covid-19 test, or avoid harm or injury (such as domestic abuse)
• Go to work if you cannot work from home
• Shop for basic necessities like food and medicine
• Visit members of your support bubble, care for vulnerable people, or volunteer

Many businesses, such as pubs, non-essential shops, cinemas, leisure centres, museums and hair and beauty salons, will be closed. Read the full details about the restrictions.

I know how worried many of you will be about these restrictions. Some will be worried about the financial impact on your families, while others will fear loneliness and isolation. I can’t pretend it will be easy, but I can promise you that we will do everything we can to support you through this challenging time.

Thank you and stay safe.  

Kieron

Self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate and get a free test. There are two testing sites locally in Southwark and it's easy to book a free test.

Try our elibrary during the new national restrictions

During the national restrictions our libraries will close. However, you can still borrow ebooks and stream films, free of charge via our elibrary service and our home library service will keep operating.

Impact of tighter restrictions on council services

Government guidance on specific aspects of the new restrictions that relate to council services is still emerging. However, we can currently confirm the following:

• Southwark’s parks will remain open
• All sports and leisure facilities, including football, tennis and basketball courts, grass and astro-turf pitches, outdoor gyms, cricket nets and fishing areas will be closed.
• Schools remain open and children should attend as normal.
• Leisure centres will close.
• Libraries will close (but digital services and the home library will continue)
• Playgrounds will stay open but families should maintain social distance and wash hands/use hand sanitiser before and after use.
• Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies can only proceed in exceptional circumstances.
• Funerals can still be held, with up to 30 people.

Watch a new online theatrical reading of The Twits

Watch the Unicorn Theatre's online theatrical reading of one of Roald Dahl's best-loved stories, The Twits. This unabridged reading, filmed in the theatre, is gleeful, gunge-filled digital storytelling aimed at children aged 6 to 12.

Support for parents during the tighter restrictions

If you're a parent or carer get support and advice to help you cope with the new national restrictions, including managing conflict, emotions and behaviour at home, eating healthily and talking to children about COVID-19.

Remembrance Sunday service in Southwark Cathedral

The Mayor of Southwark and Southwark Council will be marking the day with a virtual service and wreath laying in Southwark Cathedral, which was pre-recorded before the new restrictions came into force. This will be available on the council’s YouTube channel on Sunday 8 November.

Get your free flu jab

If you’re eligible, make sure you get your free flu vaccination to protect yourself and those around you from the flu virus. It's more important than ever this year. Ask your pharmacist or GP today.

Voting safely at next year’s elections

If you smoke you're more at risk from COVID-19

If you're a smoker and become infected with COVID-19 you're more likely to become seriously ill than a non-smoker. Get help to quit smoking now

Job support for 16–25-year-olds

We will shortly be launching a new campaign which will help link young people with jobs, training and educational opportunities. Sign up now to get jobs, training and education opportunities by email.