Latest updates for Southwark businesses affected by COVID-19 - 18 January 2021

Welcome to this latest update for Southwark businesses affected by COVID-19.  

Please continue to share these updates with your local business networks. 

Please explore our pages on COVID-19 prevention for businesses and COVID-19 business support and information for the latest advice for you and your employees.

 Additional Restrictions Grant deadline extension

The deadline for applications to the second round of the Additional Restrictions Grant has been extended to Tuesday 2 February. This allows extra time to apply for grants covering the period 16 December 2020 to 13 January 2021.

Please check your eligibility for this grant on our website.

Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, we aim to notify you of the outcome of your application by mid-February 2021.

Local Restrictions Support Grant for business rate-paying businesses required to close

If your business has been legally required to close during Tier 3 or Tier 4 restrictions in December, and you are registered as a business rates payer, you can still apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed). You will not be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant.

Advice and support from the London Business Hub

The London Business Hub can help your business with any issues you might be facing, including negotiating the impact of COVID-19. You can access free impartial advice, business support programmes, webinars and a range of other resources. Find out more at businesshub.london

No Covid symptoms? Book a rapid test to help control the virus

We are now offering free, rapid COVID-19 tests to people who don’t have Covid symptoms. Results are usually available within an hour.

Who can get tested

We are encouraging anyone who can’t work from home to get a free test (called a lateral flow test). This includes key workers such as shop staff, constructions workers, security guards, cleaners, school staff, refuse collectors and many other roles.

Please consider booking regular tests (up to twice a week) for you and your staff.

>> Book a test now if you don't have symptom

Why you should get tested

• 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Regular testing helps you avoid spreading it to customers, colleagues, clients or those you live with
• Covid numbers are very high. Rapid tests help find more cases and help control the virus
• Rapid tests are painless and results are available in less than an hour

Where is the testing site?

The testing centre is at the Damilola Taylor Centre, 1e Surrey Grove, Peckham SE15 6DR and is open from 18 January. More sites will open soon.

>> Book a test now if you don't have symptoms

Contact us

Thank you for continuing to follow guidance through increasingly difficult times and helping to keep our community safe. We’re available to provide advice and information at SouthwarkBusinessDesk@southwark.gov.uk