London will move to High Covid Alert Level from midnight on Friday

Published: Thursday 15 October 2020

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From midnight on Friday (16 October), London will be under further restrictions to help limit the spread of Coronavirus.

The Government has introduced a new three tier system to help control the spread of Coronavirus.  It means that the whole country is split into areas that are either Medium (tier 1), High (tier 2) or Very High (tier 3) depending on the level of infection in those areas.  Each of these have different levels of restrictions on going out and who you can see.

From midnight on Friday 16 October, London will enter the ‘High’ alert level (Tier 2). This will include new restrictions:

  • Only one household can meet indoors, including your support bubble. The rule of six still applies outdoors.
  • Government has advised that care homes should be closed to external visitors other than in exceptional circumstances.
  • Everyone must limit travel and make fewer journeys wherever possible and do not travel to a Very High Covid Alert area.
  • Individuals outside of the immediate household can provide care for children under 14, creating a childcare bubble. This should be part of a consistent childcare arrangement.

Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell said:

“There is a lot for us to do to help our residents and businesses understand the latest London-wide restrictions, but we have been gearing up for this and we are ready.

“The rules are changing in two main ways: we need to stop mixing households indoors and limit our travel to essential journeys.

“I am grateful to our resilient communities for their efforts so far in this unprecedented year. It’s essential that we follow these restrictions now, so we can help save lives and get the virus under control.”

Weddings and funerals can still take place and hospitality can remain open until 10pm, offering table service only. You can find out more about the new system on the government’s website and you can keep up to date with the alert levels with the government post code checker.  

The most important thing we can all do to protect our friends and neighbours is follow the Hands, Face, Space advice of the government.  Wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household or support bubble.  

If you do have symptoms you should self-isolate immediately. Then book a test which you can get at home or you can go to your nearest test centre.