Dear resident,

The number of people catching COVID-19 in Southwark is still very high and we expect numbers to continue to increase over the next few weeks. The pressure on NHS services is very worrying, and there are now almost as many people in London hospitals with COVID-19, as in the first wave in the spring, with numbers increasing every day.

The Government announced yesterday that London will remain in Tier 4 for at least the next few weeks, which means:

• We should all stay at home
• 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.

New Year’s Eve

We are asking all residents to please see in the New Year safely at home this year. It’s so important that we all stay at home, and only mix with the people we live with or who are in our support bubble.

One in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so even if you feel ok, you can still pass it to other people who could become very ill. Please stay at home this New Year’s Eve and do not invite people over, to keep yourself and your friends and families safe.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

As well as abiding by the Tier 4 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.

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.

Getting medical help

The NHS in London may be busy, but urgent care is available if you need it. You can contact your GP practice for urgent care, or 111 is available day and night. Please remember to only use 999 and A&E for emergencies. If it’s not an emergency, contact your GP or call 111 to get the help you need.

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, especially during this cold spell. 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.

Schools

Yesterday the government announced that the start of the new school term would be delayed for most children in Southwark along with many other London boroughs. Primary schools will now not reopen next week as planned for most children. Secondary schools and colleges will still have a staggered return but with one week’s delay, providing face-to-face education for exam year groups from 11 January and the planned return of all students on 18 January. Schools will be responding to the announcement, preparing to deliver remote learning as soon as they possibly can, whilst also ensuring they remain open for vulnerable children and for children of key workers. Please remember however, even if you are in one of these categories, you and your family must self-isolate and not attend school if any of you receive a positive test. Our schools have worked extremely hard throughout this pandemic to prioritise our children’s education, and the council will support them through this next phase. As ever the council and our schools are grateful for parents’ patience.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we wish you all a healthy and happy new year.