At 00:01 on Wednesday 16th December, the Government has decided that London will enter into tier 3. It is clear that the virus is accelerating in the wrong direction once again across London and the lives of vulnerable Londoners are at risk. We’ve learnt from past experience that as cases start to rise like they have recently, action must occur sooner rather than later. Acting now will help in the long run and hopefully help to prevent another full scale lockdown in the new year. A lockdown which could do further damage to our local businesses and economy.
As such, we must all now follow the Tier 3 restrictions that have been announced by the government to help play our part in driving down the infection rate as we enter January which has always been the most demanding month on the NHS even before COVID-19.
This change of restrictions means that from 16th December:
- We must not meet socially indoors with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with.
- We can see friends and family you do not live with (or do not have a support bubble with) in some outdoor public places, in a group of up to 6. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.
- Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.
- Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and guest houses must close.
- Entertainment and tourist venues must close.
You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
The vaccine provides some light at the end of the tunnel, but we must ensure that we do not become complacent and undo all of our work now that the end is in sight. All Londoners must adhere to the new rules so that we can save as many lives as possible, support our NHS and protect our economy.