Dear resident

London is now in Tier 4 restrictions. The stronger restrictions are needed because the number of people with COVID-19 is rising rapidly. London has also seen a sharp increase in hospital admissions.

A reminder of the Tier 4 rules

• We should all stay at home
• The previous Christmas bubble arrangements are no longer allowed
• You cannot meet people socially indoors, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble
• Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household
• Non-essential shops are closed
• You should work from home if you can
• You should not travel outside of London to visit family or friends

Read all the Tier 4 rules.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

As well as abiding by the new rules, please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask (unless exempt), and keep your distance when outside. 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. Please remember Hands, Face, Space.

Thank you for following the rules and helping to keep yourself, your friends and family, and Southwark safe this Christmas.

What to do if you, or someone you know, needs help

Please look out for elderly or vulnerable residents and let us know if they need help. And if you need help, please do get in touch visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/coronavirus-gethelp, email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk or phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3.

Self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate and get a free test. There are two testing sites locally in Southwark, with spare capacity, and it’s easy to book a free test.

If you’ve been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be able to get some financial help while self-isolating.

Get up to £5,000 for projects that help prevent COVID-19

We’re offering grants of £1,000 to £5,000 to organisations for projects that help to prevent COVID-19. Apply for a COVID-19 prevention project grant before 11.59pm on 28 December if your organisation supports residents, and has an annual turnover of less than £100k.

Get help if you’re struggling with low mood, stress or anxiety

Feeling low, stressed and anxious are common feelings. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be finding things harder than usual. Get advice and support to improve your mental health.

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can leave home to seek help or support. There is national domestic abuse advice and support available but you should call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Locally, the Solace Advocacy and Support Service provides help and advice on domestic abuse for anyone in Southwark aged 16 or over.

Donate towards Christmas hampers for older people

The Southwark Community Christmas appeal has exceeded its target, thank you everyone! Donations can still be made and funds raised go to fantastic local charities who are working with elderly and vulnerable people over Christmas. Please make a small donation if you can.

Recycle your Christmas tree

You can recycle your real Christmas tree as part of your garden waste subscription. Or book a free permit to recycle real or plastic trees. Find out more about Christmas tree recycling.

Check when your bin collection day will be over the festive holidays

To find your bin collection day, enter your full postcode, click on the find address button and then select your property from the list.

Looking for things to do over Christmas?

Take a look at our stay-at-home library of things to do, to keep you occupied at home during the tighter restrictions. You’ll find free online theatre performances, free film streaming, virtual courses and more.