National lockdown starts tomorrow - how Council services are affected
New coronavirus restrictions start midnight tonight until at least Wednesday 2 December to try to reduce the spread of the virus and protect the NHS – meaning some Council buildings and services may close or operate differently.
Essential services will continue to run, including local testing and contact tracing. If you have coronavirus symptoms, it’s essential that you self-isolate immediately for 10 days and book a test on the NHS COVID-19 app, online, or by calling 119.
NHS services have made changes to make sure it's safe for you to be seen during coronavirus. During lockdown you must make sure you attend your GP and hospital appointments. Infection control measures are in place to keep you and the staff safe.
You can find health information on the NHS website. Call your GP or the NHS on 111 if you need medical help.
If it’s a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, call 999. If you are told to go to the hospital, you must go to the hospital.
Hackney has already suffered too many tragic losses this year, and we must now work together to keep to the national lockdown rules and prevent more.
Today we have set out what this new lock down means for Hackney residents and businesses, how we will support them and also the changes we are having to implement to Council services.
Our priority remains reducing the spread of the virus, protecting the health of Hackney residents and working with our partners to support the most vulnerable and keep everyone safe.
Get help and support
The Council is directly contacting residents who registered for food deliveries during the national lockdown in March, as well as all Council housing tenants, to offer advice and support.
The Council continues to work with voluntary sector partners and other organisations to ensure that everyone who needs help gets it, through its Community Partnerships Network.
If you, or someone you know, needs help during the lockdown, visit the Coronavirus Support page for more information.
Changes to Council facilities and services
In line with Government guidance, all Council buildings will close to the public, including the Hackney Service Centre, the Hackney Museum and leisure centres including, sadly, the West Reservoir Centre and London Fields Lido. Local and neighbourhood offices and community halls on Council-managed housing estates remain closed.
Libraries are closed to the public, but will continue to offer home visits and click and collect services.
The Council has welcomed the decision to allow play areas in parks to remain open, and Council-operated play areas will do so.
However outdoor gyms, ball and tennis courts, sports pitches, skate parks, and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) in parks and Council-managed housing estates will close. Cafes in parks will remain open for takeaway food and drink. This is in line with action taken by councils across north-east London, however it will be reviewed when the Government publishes further guidance.
Young Hackney youth hubs and adventure playgrounds will be closed from Thursday 5 November-Saturday 7 November. Services will resume on Monday 9 November for organised groups and targeted support only, in line with Government guidance. An online youth hub and outreach support from youth workers will also be available. For more information please visit the Young Hackney website.
Markets will continue to open with continued covid-secure measures, including social distancing advisors, in place. There will be fewer traders in some markets in line with government guidance on non-essential retail. Food and essential household and hardware products will remain on sale.
The Council is ensuring that public toilets remain open.
Support for businesses
This is also a particularly challenging time for businesses in the borough, many of which will have to close under new lockdown measures, though some will be able to operate a click and collect service. If you run a business locally and you need help, you can visit our dedicated business support pages for guidance and information on any financial support that may be available to you.