Coronavirus Update

As from 16th December 2020

London has been put under the highest level of restrictions under England’s three-tier system, along with parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Meeting Friends and Family

• You must not socialise indoors – or in a private garden or at most outdoor venues – with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble
• You can socialise in groups of up to six people in some outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches and public gardens.
• Support bubbles can be formed between one household and another which contains only one adult – with some exceptions.
• Children can continue to move between homes if their parents are separated.

Going To Work

• You should work at home if at all possible.
• If you have to return to your workplace, your employer must make arrangements for you to work safely.

Schools and Nursery

• Primary and secondary schools are open, as are nurseries and childcare.
• If a school has coronavirus cases, local health protection teams will advise what to do.
• All pupils and staff in secondary schools (Year 7 and above) must wear face coverings in communal areas outside the classroom.

Leisure Time

• Pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes remain closed, except for takeaway, drive-through and delivery services.
• Entertainment venues including theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, are closed.
• Organised activities for elite athletes, the under-18s and disabled people will continue.
• Spectators are not allowed at sports events and live performances.
• Leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools will reopen, but groups exercise classes cannot be held there. Saunas and steam rooms must also stay closed.
• Exercise classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but higher-risk contact activity should be avoided.
• Hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites are closed except in certain circumstances (such as where they are someone’s main residence, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes).
• There is no limit on the time allowed for exercise outdoors or, for example, for sitting on a park bench or eating and drinking outside.

Shopping

• All shops and retail outlets can open.
• Close contact services – such as hairdressing and beauty parlours – can reopen, as long as they are Covid-secure.

Others

• Places of worship can open for communal services, but people should not mix with anyone from outside their household or support bubble.
• Weddings and civil partnerships can take place with up to 15 guests; wedding receptions are still not allowed.
• Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked ceremonial events can continue with up to 15 people.
• You should avoid travelling outside your area if possible.