The whole Greater London area (32 boroughs and the City of London) has now been placed under Tier 2 restrictions, also know as Local COVID alert level: high

LOCKDOWN IS COMING FROM THURSDAY (05/11). ALL HOSPITALITY, LEISURE AND NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL WEDNESDAY 02/12 AND YOU MUST STAY HOME EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS. SCHOOLS, COLLEGES TO REMAIN OPEN

The Usual Stuff

Stay 2m (6ft) away from people that you don't live with where practical, and at least 1m (3ft) away at all times. Do your very best to maintain hygiene, washing your hands and shared surfaces at every opportunity. And of course, you should only do what you're comfortable with.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild, stay home for at least 10 days until you no-longer have a temperature. Get a test through the gov.uk testing website or calling 119. Others in your household must stay home for 14 days ^[source].

Most coronavirus cases are mild, but if you're very ill, call 111, or in an emergency, call 999 - DO NOT go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital with COVID-19.

What are high level/Tier 2 lockdown restrictions?

This is for areas with a higher level of infections. This means the following measures are in place:

• People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
• The “Rule of Six” will continue to apply outdoors and in private gardens
• People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
• All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
• Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru
• Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
• Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed

If you break these rules you may be fined up between £1000 and £10,000 depending on the offence.

Can I visit London now?

Yes, although some tourist attractions are still closed and most are operating in a limited way with pre-booking required. Many incoming foreign travellers from higher risk countries are subject to a mandatory two week quarantine. Check if your country is on the list.

Can I go to other places in the UK?

Note that as someone living in a Tier 2 area, you cannot go t a Tier 1 area for an indoor gathering ^[source]. So no, you can't jump on the train to Cambridge and go to the pub with your mates there, unless you're in their social bubble. However you can travel, with some exceptions:

England:

• There are no travel restrictions between Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas
• You should not visit any Tier 3 areas

Other home nations:

• You can visit Scotland and Northern Ireland but note they are under much heavier lockdown restrictions
• Those in Tier 2 and 3 areas (i.e. Londoners) cannot visit Wales unless you have an exemption

Face masks

Face coverings are compulsory on all forms of public transport and in all shops, takeaways, hospitals and care homes. This is a law and you can be fined if you do not comply. You don't need to buy a fancy respirator, instead think about buying or making your own from fabric, or use a scarf or bandana. As long as you wash them at a decent heat between uses this is much more environmentally friendly than disposable surgical masks.

The NHS App

The NHS COVID-19 app is now available. It uses Apple & Google's co-developed bluetooth protocol which does not transmit any of your personal details to anyone, including the government. It's been used as the basis for apps in privacy-conscious countries like Germany and Ireland, and is generally considered safe and secure.

The app is particularly effectively in dense urban areas, and NHS England's also includes features to help you check in to venues and get a test.

Download it!

When do we get out of this?

The restrictions are reviewed every 2 weeks. If all (or nearly all) of the boroughs drop consistently to less than 100 cases per 100,000 people, then we'll probably go back to Tier 1. Likewise if we be moved to Tier 3 if the infection rate continues to increase and hospitals start to feel the strain.

It's really simple though: the more people stick to the rules, the faster the infection rate will drop.