New Tier 4 restrictions for London and Christmas ‘bubble’ plans cancelled
Hackney, along with all other London boroughs, will be moving into new, additional Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions on Sunday 20 December, to help combat the spread of the virus in the capital.
All non-essential shops must close, along with hairdressers, nail bars, indoor gyms and leisure facilities. People should not travel unless absolutely necessary, and work from home wherever possible.
Christmas bubbles will no longer be allowed – and residents must not leave the Tier 4 area nor mix with anyone outside their own household, apart from support bubbles.
Coronavirus cases in Hackney and London are rising sharply, and I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has listened to the calls of London’s local leaders and public health experts who are deeply concerned about the number of people in hospital and seriously unwell.
We understand that new restrictions – and the changes to Christmas – will be heartbreaking for our borough’s residents, who want to spend the festive season with their loved ones.
Whilst Christmas and New Year will be very different this year, it’s now more important than ever that everyone follows these new rules to protect each other, our NHS heroes, and key workers who will be working to keep Hackney safe throughout the coming weeks.
I also know how gut-wrenching today’s announcement will be for businesses in Hackney, who will have prepared for the busiest shopping week of the year. We are here to support you, and the Government must put a comprehensive financial package in place to recognise the unprecedented challenge we all now face.
Hackney has already suffered too many tragic losses this year, with more residents dying this week. We must now work together to keep to the Tier 4 rules and prevent more. This week, the coronavirus vaccine was rolled out in Hackney, marking a key milestone in our collective fight against this deadly virus – so there is light at the end of the tunnel.
But now, to help keep our community safe – you must stick to the key public health guidance and stay at home and save lives.
Britannia Leisure Centre, Clissold Leisure Centre, Hackney Marshes Centre, Haggerston Park Artificial Turf Pitch, Kings Hall Leisure Centre, Mabley Green Artificial Turf Pitches and Queensbridge Sports & Community Centre will close from tonight until further notice. Customers with existing bookings will be contacted by Better Leisure about refunds.
London Fields Lido and the West Reservoir will remain open for swimming under Covid secure arrangements.
Outdoor sports courts, tennis courts, outdoor gyms, and playgrounds will remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household.
Ridley Road Market will be open for food and other essentials, but all other Hackney Markets will be closed until further notice.
Hackney libraries will remain open for click and collect services and to provide access to IT and digital services only.