Brent Council guidance on Tier 2 restrictions

Tier 2 COVID restrictions

Brent, along with the rest of London, will be in the second highest risk level – Tier 2 – when the ‘stay at home’ restrictions end on 2 December 2020.

The regional approach, where different ‘Tiers’ of restrictions apply in different parts of the country, is a tougher version of the previous local COVID alert level system.

The specific rules that apply to areas in Tier 2 are:

• You cannot mix with anyone indoors unless you live with them or they’re in your support bubble, but you can still meet people outdoors while sticking to the rule of six
• Pubs and bars must close completely unless they can operate as restaurants and they must all be shut by 11pm
• You can do an exercise class or play sport outdoors, but indoors you can only exercise with other people in the same household or support bubble
• Gyms, non-essential shops and personal care services like beauty salons and hairdressers can re-open
• Up to 2,000 fans can gather to watch any live event or sports match
• You should continue to work from home if you can
• Communal worship can restart, however you cannot socialise with anyone while you are indoors there unless you live with them or they’re in your support bubble

Public health experts have warned that London could easily have been placed in the worst ‘Tier 3’ risk level and that this is where we will find ourselves if cases don’t continue to fall.

COVID has not gone away and is still a real and present threat – especially to older people and those with underlying health conditions. That’s why it’s important you continue to protect yourself and your loved ones to stop the spread of the virus by:

• Washing your hands, or using hand sanitiser, regularly
• Wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces
• Making space between you and others outside your household or support bubble
• When indoors with people you live with or your support bubble, try to open your windows and let fresh air in regularly as this can reduce your risk of infection by over 70%
• Walking or cycling where possible and avoiding busy times and routes when travelling

 Find out more about the rules that apply to areas in Tier 2

Forming a Christmas bubble

The government has announced an easing of social restrictions over the Christmas period so that families who do not live together can decide whether they want to risk celebrating the holiday season together.

From 23 to 27 December, three households will be able to meet indoors and outdoors, forming a ‘Christmas bubble’.

The rules on forming Christmas bubbles are:

• Christmas bubbles will be able to meet in private homes, attend places of worship together and meet in outdoor public places, however bubbles cannot meet up in pubs or restaurants
• Christmas bubbles are fixed, meaning once three households have formed a bubble this cannot be changed and you cannot be a part of more than one bubble
• You can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble
• Existing support bubbles count as one household
• Children of separated parents can move between two Christmas bubbles

When following these new rules, people are reminded to continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable.

Find out more about the rules on forming a Christmas bubble.

Test and Trace

Find out more about Test and Trace in Brent.

Face coverings

The use of face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

From Friday 24 July 2020 you must wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets.

You must also continue to wear face coverings when:

• Using public transport, like buses or the Tube
• Visiting a hospital, as an outpatient or visitor, and
• In enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible.

You don’t need to wear your face covering outdoors, while exercising or in schools and offices.

Children under the age of 11 and people who may find it difficult to wear a face covering, because of a disability or breathing difficulty, do not need to wear one.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

The Government paused the NHS Shielding Programme for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people on 31 July 2020.

However, from 5 November 2020, following new national restrictions, the government has advised anyone who is CEV to:

• Stay at home as much as possible, although you can still go outside to exercise
• Continue with medical and NHS appointments unless these are cancelled
• Don’t go to work – although you should work from home if you can
• Avoid shops and pharmacies

Read more advice, guidance and details of the support available for people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable

Medical help

If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.

If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:

• For health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
• For urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you're unable to get help online
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Read more advice about getting medical help at home.

Travelling safely on public transport

If you need to travel, Transport for London advises cycling, walking or driving. This is to help ensure there is enough space for those who need to travel on public transport to do so safely.

Passengers are encouraged where possible to:

• Keep two metres apart from others
• Wear a face covering
• Use contactless payment
• Avoid the rush hour
• Wash hands before and after travel
• Follow advice from staff.

More advice on walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak

Pregnancy

If you're pregnant and worried about coronavirus, you can get advice about coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstretricians and Gynaecologists

Diabetes

Having diabetes does not mean you are more likely to catch coronavirus.  However, if you do catch coronavirus, it can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes.

Coronavirus guidance for people living with diabetes from NHS North West London