London to move to Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday
To help reduce the number of coronavirus cases in the capital, Hackney, along with the rest of London, will be moved into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday.
The full list of the new Tier 3 restrictions can be found here. The coronavirus rate in Hackney is 225 cases per 100,000 people (between 2 and 8 December). This is significantly higher than the 152 cases per 100,000 people recorded in the previous week (25 November to 1 December). View Hackney coronavirus data on the Council website.
Decisions like this aren’t easy, but the public health data is clear and so I welcome the Government's announcement today that London and Hackney are to go into Tier 3 after the recent surge in cases.
The sad truth is that 13 Hackney residents died from coronavirus last month. This virus is still very dangerous and it is a huge risk to all of us and especially the vulnerable and elderly.
I know this will be tough for many of our businesses, and that is why the Government should provide them with access to financial support that goes over and above what has already been offered, which so far doesn't even cover the cost of rent for the majority of businesses in the borough. We need to save lives, but we also need to make sure all of our businesses and the people they employ are able to ride out this crisis.
Hackney has already suffered too many tragic losses this year, and we must now work together to keep to the national rules and prevent more. We are working with health partners to increase local testing capacity, target it where it is most needed and later this week support the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine in Hackney. I would urge all residents to review their Christmas plans and avoid unnecessary contact with additional households indoors, especially if they include vulnerable people.
There has been a very worrying surge in Coronavirus cases across London recently. So, although I realise how difficult it is to live or carry out your business under strict, new regulations, I am grateful for the government’s support for us in imposing these tighter restrictions to help contain the virus. In response, let’s all support each other by following these new rules, to keep each other safe.
After almost a year of disruption and illness, there is light at the end of the tunnel with the national roll out of the vaccine starting last week for people over 80. But we are still some months away from the vaccine being rolled out to the wider population. So, it is more important than ever that we make some sacrifices now for the greater good of our community's health.
It’s only by keeping our number of contacts as low as possible that we reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus. Do not meet up indoors with those you do not live with and follow hands, face, space at all times
To help reduce the number of coronavirus cases, from Wednesday 16 December, the Government is introducing new Tier 3 restrictions to London, which means:
- You cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your household or social bubble.
- You can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside in the ‘rule of six’.
- Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.
- Businesses and venues selling alcohol for consumption off the premises can continue to do so as long as this is through takeaway, delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
- Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close. There are a number of exceptions to this, which can be found here.
- Some entertainment and tourist venues must close including bingo halls, casinos, theatres, cinemas.
- You are allowed up to 15 people for wedding or civil partnership ceremonies – but receptions are not permitted.
- You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
To help tackle the virus, it is really important to get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus such as a fever, a new continuous cough or change to your sense of smell or taste, self-isolate immediately for 10 days and book a test by downloading the NHS COVID-19 app, calling 119 or going to nhs.uk/coronavirus.
We have made sure that you can get tested locally in Hackney at:
- Dalston, Bentley Road Car Park, N1 4BZ (open 7 days a week 8am-8pm)
- Hackney Central, Tesco Car Park, E9 6ND (open 7 days a week 8am-8pm)
- Stamford Hill, Sandford Court, Bethune Road, N16 5BB (open 7 days a week 8am-8pm)
- Stamford Hill, Yesodey Hatorah School, Egerton Rd, N16 6UB
- Homerton, Hackney Marshes Centre, E9 5PF
You can now also book a coronavirus test if you don’t have any symptoms, this is being delivered from the Hackney Marshes Centre, and can be booked in the same way by calling 119 or going online.
It’s also important to isolate yourself for 10 days if you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus symptoms, or has tested positive, to break the chain of infection.
During the Christmas period (23 to 27 December) different rules on social contact will apply.
Residents will receive hackney today this week which includes information about tier 2, please disregard this information, Hackney has now been entered to tier 3, please see here for new restrictions.