Shop Local, Shop Safe: Take extra care when shopping this weekend
Residents in Hackney are urged to take extra care this weekend when shopping or enjoying a meal out in the borough, on what is expected to be the busiest shopping period of the year so far.
Despite the recent lockdown, coronavirus rates are rising in London, the rate in Hackney and the City is now 181 per 100,000 population (week ending 4 Dec) up from 138 per 100,000 the week before. Most cases are now being diagnosed among residents aged 20 to 39. Cases are no longer concentrated in the north of the borough, but are spread across Hackney.There has also been an increase in hospital admissions for covid-19 across North East London.
Businesses throughout the borough have invested huge amounts of time and money to ensure their venues are safe for their staff and customers, and we are asking residents to play their part in protecting the lives of others and the future of our business community by sticking rigidly to the Tier 2 restrictions in place.
- Face masks must be worn in all retail, hospitality and entertainment venues except for when consuming food and drink at a table.
- You must not meet up with anyone outside your household or support bubble in indoor settings like restaurants, pubs or bars. Failing to adhere to this restriction could not only result in you receiving a fine but you could cause the venue you are in to receive one too.
- You must keep a safe distance, preferably 2 metres, from anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
- You must wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
This weekend our businesses will get a much needed boost from hundred of Christmas shoppers but I strongly urge our residents to shop safely and stick to the rules, not only to protect themselves and others but also in consideration for our businesses who can only remain open and operational whilst infection rates are controlled.
I am so proud of our business community, their resilience and adaptability throughout the pandemic has been outstanding and despite their own financial struggles they have continued to invest heavily in making their premises covid-secure for the safety of their customers.
Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Hackney residents must be a priority for all us.
The number of cases in London is rising again. It’s vital we all work together to control this virus and keep cases down, or we could face tougher restrictions. The number-one way to support local businesses and look out for our loved ones in this festive season is to follow the rules.
Londoners have worked incredibly hard to help bring down cases, we must not risk undoing all the sacrifices that have been made by lowering our guard and allowing cases to rise further.
I urge all Londoners to follow the rules – if you’re in a shop or in busy public places remember to wear a face covering and keep a two-metre distance wherever possible, also plan your journey ahead, so you can shop at quieter times. This way we can look out for the loved ones that we want to see over the festive period, help local businesses who need our support, and continue to protect our NHS.
Anyone concerned that businesses or venues are not complying with Tier 2 restrictions can report these to the Covid Response Team by emailing: covidresponseteam@hackney.gov.uk