Hackney,
02
November
2020
|
11:12
Europe/London

New national coronavirus restrictions from 5 November

The full guidance about what you can and can't do under the new national restrictions is available on the Government's coronavirus website.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Director of Public Health Dr Sandra Husbands
 


To help reduce the number of coronavirus cases, from Thursday 5 November until at least Wednesday 2 December, the Government is introducing a national lockdown, which means:

- People must stay at home, except for specific essential purposes like shopping for basic necessities
- People must not gather with those they do not live with, except for specific purposes, such as in limited numbers at a funeral while maintaining social distancing
- Certain businesses and venues must close, including pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops
- Places of worship should close, unless they are being used for certain exempt activities such as a funeral
 
You must minimise time spent outside your home and not arrange to meet other people. When you are around other people, such as when shopping or at work, ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

There are some differences between this lockdown and the first one. For instance, schools, colleges and universities will stay open and you can meet one person from another household outdoors as long as you keep 2m apart.   

However, some restrictions are the same as the first lockdown, for example weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place, and religious buildings will no longer be open for communal prayer and worship. Everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. People who cannot work from home, such as teachers or those who work in construction, should continue to travel safely to their workplace, walking or cycling wherever possible.  

At the end of the period, the Government has said it will look to return to the regional tiered restrictions, based on what’s happening with the infection rates at the time. 

Over the past few weeks, we have seen cases of coronavirus increasing rapidly and in Hackney have sadly also seen our first deaths from the virus since August. 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.

Coronavirus can kill or cause serious illness. We are still learning about the virus and there’s a lot we don’t yet know, but we do know that it is not weaker than before, it is still dangerous and remains highly contagious as we move into the winter. 

The way out of this pandemic, while we wait for a vaccine, is an effective test and trace system. That is why 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, Yesodey Hatorah School, Egerton Rd, N16 6UB
Homerton, Hackney Marshes Centre, E9 5PF
Stamford Hill, Sandford Court, Bethune Road, N16 5BB (every other day)

It’s also important to isolate yourself for 14 days if you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus symptoms, or has tested positive, to break the chain of infection.

We understand this will be a difficult time for some of our most vulnerable residents.  So, please let us know if you need essential help, such as support around self isolating, by calling 020 8356 3111, going to the Council coronavirus webpage or looking for help locally on the support services map. 

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: hackney.gov.uk/support-for-business 

A list of all the rules and exemptions for the national lockdown can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

You can get the latest updates by subscribing to the Council’s regular update emails at  hackney.gov.uk/newsletters

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.
Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Director of Public Health Dr Sandra Husbands