From midnight tonight, new national restrictions will be in place across England until Wednesday 2 December.
As we approach this second lockdown, I want to thank all of you for everything you have already done to support Croydon during this pandemic.
From frontline workers to volunteers, carers and everyone who has helped their friends, neighbours and wider communities, so many of you have gone above and beyond. We have all made huge personal sacrifices and, together, we have looked after our most vulnerable, protected our local NHS and saved lives.
We must unite once again to keep Croydon safe. Covid-19 infection rates are rising rapidly across the country and Croydon is no exception. We had 868 confirmed cases in the two weeks between 15 and 28 October, compared with 570 cases in the previous two weeks.
The situation is serious and it is vital that we act now to slow the speed of transmission. The national restrictions mean that from midnight tonight, you must stay at home.
This means:
• Only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education, work or to escape injury or harm
• You must work from home if you can
• Avoid travel unless essential
• Schools and essential shops will remain open
• You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.
• You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble or, when on your own with ONE other person from another household. Children under five and disabled people depending on around-the-clock-care are not counted towards this limit of two people.
For the full list of restrictions and the latest guidance, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Staying safe outside
It is vital that we all continue to follow basic public health advice to protect ourselves and others – this means: HANDS, FACE, SPACE
• Keep a 2m distance from others
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds
• Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
Got symptoms? Get tested
If you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild – a new continuous cough, a high fever or loss of taste or smell – you must self-isolate while you arrange a test. You should only leave your home to get a test and follow guidance on how to do this safely. Call 119 or go online: nhs.uk/coronavirus
Council services
We will be working hard to keeping vital services running during this challenging time, prioritising the ones you all depend on, such as refuse and recycling collections, and caring for people who are vulnerable. As before, we may have to do some things differently to keep everyone safe and our Covid-19 webpages will be kept updated with the latest information on all council services.
Schools
Schools, colleges and universities will remain open and we continue to work closely with them to help staff and pupils stay safe. Your school will keep you informed about any Covid-19 cases and let you know what you need to do.
Help and support
If you need help or support, or are experiencing hardship during this difficult time, we are here for you and working with our partners across the voluntary sector to get you the support that you need.
Visit our council webpages for information and advice, or if you need urgent help as a result of Covid-19 call our helpline 020 8604 7787, Monday – Friday 9am-4pm.
Medical help
It’s really important to still get medical help if you need it. Croydon GPs remain open for you – don’t go to the surgery, but phone or visit them online to find out more. Keep hospital and other appointments unless you are advised not to.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 and need medical help, call the NHS on 111.
Backing our businesses
Sadly, non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will be closed from midnight tonight. Pubs, bars, restaurants will close except for takeaway or delivery.
We are doing all we can to support all our businesses through this incredibly challenging time and our Covid-19 business pages are constantly updated with the latest information, advice and support. We are awaiting confirmation of our funding allocation from central government.
We can all do our bit for our local high streets by continuing to shop local as much as we can – many businesses that have had to close their doors will still be offering online services or takeaways so please do support them.
Croydon’s greatest strength is its community spirit and if we stand united and support each other, we will get through this together. Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates and most importantly, stay safe.
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
