protectnhs

Following the Government’s introduction of a new national lockdown, you must now stay at home, and only leave your home for specific reasons, such as: 

• Shopping for essential items and medicine
• To travel to work, but only if you cannot work from home
• To seek medical help, get tested or get vaccinated
• To escape domestic abuse

Full details of what you can and cannot do are available on the Government’s website.

There are changes to some Council services and facilities as a result of the lockdown, although the majority of facilities were already closed in line with previous restrictions.

Schools and education

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half-term. Early Years settings currently remain open, alongside special schools and alternative provision.

Parents should contact their school directly for information on remote learning for their child, and for arrangements for vulnerable children and children of critical workers. Visit the Hackney Education pages for the latest updates. 

Get help with home-schooling and wellbeing.

Parks and green spaces

Most facilities in parks and green spaces are closed in line with updated government guidance to limit the spread of coronavirus. 

Artificial turf pitches, basketball courts, drinking fountains, multi-use games areas, outdoor gyms, sports pitches and tennis courts are all closed, including those on Council estates.

Play areas, the BMX track, skate parks and public toilets remain open. Cafes are open for takeaway only.

See frequently asked questions about parks and green spaces. 

Leisure facilities and libraries

All leisure centres (including London Fields Lido and West Reservoir Centre) are closed in line with government guidance to limit the spread of coronavirus.

To help residents keep active during the lockdown, the Council and its partners across the borough have set up virtual resources. Keeping active can help support mental wellbeing, and just ten minutes of activity each day can help with conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and strengthen bones and muscles. 

Libraries are open for an ‘order and collect’ service only.

Council housing services

The Council’s Housing team will respond to emergency repairs only, reported on 020 8356 3691. Existing appointments booked prior to 6 January will be honoured.

Business support 

The Council is currently processing grants for eligible businesses for the November national lockdown period, and will shortly be providing further information on how eligible businesses can access financial support for the December Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 periods. 

The Government has now also announced one-off grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, as well as new discretionary funding for local councils to provide to other impacted businesses for the new national lockdown. Further information on the application process for these grants will be available once guidance has been provided by the Government. 

Keep up to date with support and information for businesses.

Markets 

In accordance with the new national lockdown, only essential products will be available in Hackney markets (Ridley, Chatsworth, Hoxton, and Broadway) until further notice.

Unfortunately, Kingsland will remain closed for the time being.

The Council is waiting for further guidance from the government about takeaway food, but at this stage, it is not available in the borough’s markets. 

Takeaway alcohol

The new national lockdown prohibits hospitality businesses such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs from serving takeaway alcohol. All food and drink (including alcohol) can continue to be provided by delivery. The Council’s Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing teams will be continuing to advise businesses on the updated regulations.