As you are probably aware, London is moving from the medium COVID-19 alert level, Tier 1 to the high alert level, Tier 2. This will come into effect early in the morning of Saturday 17 October.
Covid-19 Alert Level
It is important for all of us to understand why the Government has moved London up into Tier 2, and what that means for our day-to-day lives.
Unfortunately, rates of COVID-19 infection are increasing. Barnet is one of the 10 boroughs with the highest infection rates in London. We all have a duty to keep ourselves and each other safe from infection.
The main change that will come into effect on Saturday 12am is that there will be restrictions on socialising indoors between households. Until further notice, you must not meet with friends and family in any indoor setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes, pubs and restaurants.
You can continue to see friends and family you do not live with (or have not formed a support bubble with) outside, including in a garden or other outdoor space, but must not meet in a group of more than six. This limit of six includes children of any age. For more information on Tier 2 measures, please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
At this time schools will remain open. Places of worship will remain open. Shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants will remain open. Gyms and leisure centres will remain open.
We all have our part to play. I ask you to follow all the new guidelines and to remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’: keep washing your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and keep your distance from people you don’t live with. If you have symptoms like a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell then please book a test immediately.
As a community, we have sacrificed a lot and many of us will have been directly and indirectly affected by COVID-19. It will not be easy to continue in this way but if we follow the rules, look after ourselves and others, then we will get through this together.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council