Published: Monday 14 December 2020
The Government has announced that London will enter tier 3 restrictions from 00:01 on Wednesday 16 December.
The rate in London has risen sharply since national restrictions lifted at the beginning of December. There are variations across the city and the rate of infection in our borough is one of the lowest, nonetheless the danger of the virus spreading is very real and we need to stop it.
London made the decision to stick together when the tier system was first introduced. This is the right thing to do to stop the spread throughout the capital, given how Londoners live, work and travel.
The main changes will be to our hospitality sector: restaurants and bars will be required to close and only serve takeaways. We know this is a very worrying time for many business owners who have done so much and worked so hard to keep their customers safe. The Government has agreed further grant funding for businesses. You can find out more about the support available on our Covid portal.
School is vitally important for the personal development and wellbeing of our children and young people, as well as the obvious educational benefits. We have no current plans to close schools before the end of the term.
I know that this is not the news that any of us wanted to hear at the end of what has already been a difficult year.
Individually and collectively we have made great sacrifices since March. I want to thank you all again for the changes you have made to your lives to help save the lives of others.
I know that as Christmas approaches things will feel very different for many of us, without the usual gatherings and parties that help to make this time special. However, there is more hope than ever that we will overcome this virus as vaccinations have begun, and after trial schemes, this Council is ready to roll out community testing as soon as it is available.
Please follow the tier 3 restrictions and together we can protect lives, protect livelihoods and get back to doing the things we all love.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell
Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council