Keep Harrow Safe: A coronavirus update from Leader Cllr Graham Henson

Covid-19 has hit our communities hard and it is by us all following the Public Health England (PHE) advice, and taking the proper precautions, we have managed to keep people safe.

The recent rise in infections across the country, including London, looks as though we are at the start of a second wave and has meant that this week the country moved to Covid-19 alert level 4. Transmission is “high or rising exponentially” and one level away from the possibility of a “full lockdown”.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced new and strengthened measures to try to curb the spread of coronavirus and in Harrow we must all do our bit if we are to keep people safe.

I don't want to frighten people but I must stress the severity of the situation and why it is so important we comply with the new restrictions. Failure to do so could see you being fined up to £200 for not wearing a face mask or breaking the rule of six, or having to pay up to £10,000 for failing to self-isolate.

The key changes are:

• Office workers should work from home again where possible - although workers in "key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible", such as construction and retail, should continue to go in
• All pubs, bars and restaurants must be table service only and be closed by 10pm - but delivery services can remain open
• The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail, people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services
• A maximum of 15 people can now attend weddings
• A maximum of 30 people can go to a funeral
• The rule of six people meeting has been extended to indoor sports teams
• Phased reopening of stadiums for sports clubs has been cancelled

Please continue to stay safe and follow the mantra: hands, face, space – wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and make space to control the spread and reduce infection rates.

As the Council, we continue to discuss the situation with our partners and are regularly monitoring the infection rate across the borough so targeted intervention can take place where there are any local outbreaks. We have requested more local mobile testing units. Tests are by appointment only and bookable online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

We will continue to push out messages on social media and will regularly share more details on advice for residents and businesses. Please forward these messages on to your friends and family so they can sign up.

Please stay safe and take all necessary precautions to do so.