Dear resident

England has moved into a new national lockdown. This is essential because the new variant of COVID-19 is spreading very quickly and our local hospitals are days away from being full.

Infections are rapidly increasing in all age groups and all parts of our borough and city, with over 2,000 cases in Southwark in the last week.

Now, more than ever, we all need to stay at home and follow the rules to protect the NHS and to save lives.

Stay at home rules

The new national lockdown means we are all legally required to stay at home, and to only go out for specific reasons, including:

• to shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
• to go to work if you cannot work from home
• for exercise once a day in your local area (this can be with the people who live in your household or in your support bubble or with one other person)
• to meet people in your support bubble or childcare bubble, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
• to get medical help (including getting a COVID-19 test) or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
• to attend education or childcare for those eligible

Read the full details of what you can and cannot do during the new lockdown.

I know this is another incredibly difficult time for many of you, especially those looking after children or with elderly relatives, those who are sick, or shielding, and many more in very difficult circumstances.

We will do all that we can to support you, providing help from the council for local people and businesses. My greatest hope is that if we all play our part now, and with the vaccine already being rolled out in Southwark, things will get easier soon.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

Wear a face covering

Remember it is compulsory (unless you’re exempt) to wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. We also strongly advise you to wear one if you’re outside and close to other people (e.g. queuing outside a shop or walking through a busy street). This is more important than ever because the new variant of the virus spreads much more easily.

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, phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3 or email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk.

Support for local businesses

A number of financial support schemes are currently open to local businesses affected by the lockdown. We have provided a helpful guide on our website as well as links to the advice our team can provide.

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.

Schools and colleges

Colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools, and the five council-run nursery schools, are not open to the majority of pupils and have moved to remote learning arrangements. They will only open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers until further notice. The government has said it does not think it will be possible for all exams in the summer to go ahead as planned and will rapidly consult on alternative arrangements.

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.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

As well as abiding by the lockdown 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.