Covid Crisis Tier 3: Councillor Jack Hopkins, Lambeth Council Leader

Following a dangerous increase in Covid-19 infections we are now in Tier 3: Very High alert restrictions until further notice. This is a serious situation where the virus is spreading quickly, which makes it very difficult to get back under control.

We need everyone to follow the restrictions and behave in a way that stops the spread of the virus in order to protect themselves, neighbours and loved ones.

That means following the Hands. Face. Space guidance, and if you have symptoms of Covid-19 get tested.

We all must follow these rules, because otherwise there will be serious consequences such as the deaths of our friends and neighbours, as well as prolonged restrictions on our everyday lives, more people needing hospital treatment for Covid-19 and more damage to local businesses and jobs.

We must also all be more cautious when it comes to Christmas. Mixing with friends and family at this time could lead to a continuing rise in infections, which will lead to many more deaths in January. So please be as careful as you can with respect to physical contact, avoid seeing vulnerable or elderly people, please wear your mask and don’t undertake unnecessary journeys or activities.

Like everyone, I want to see my family this Christmas but I don’t want to put them at risk. I want to have many more family Christmases in years to come and the risk level is very high so while I know this is a very blunt message, it is so important that we follow this advice.

The Council and the NHS are working hard to support the most vulnerable through this crisis; continue the roll out of the vaccine; help businesses follow the rules; and expand testing. We are committed to doing all that we can but we need to work together, just as we did earlier this year to protect each other.

I wish there was better news to share at this time of year. But the best we can do for our friends, family and community is to follow the rules and help stop the spread of the virus.