Haringey coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
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From today you could be fined £100-plus for breaking this Covid-19 law
From today (Monday September 14) social gatherings of more than six people from different households are banned
It comes as the figures show that the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing.
This means both indoors and outdoors – even in your own homes.
Anyone found ignoring this rule can face a fine of £100 – with the figure being doubled for each further breach up to a maximum of £3,200.
The only exceptions are:
- You live in a household of more than six people
- The people you are meeting are part of your support bubble
- You are at work or at school
- It is part of organised team sport
Read the full government guidance here (external link).
The new law – which will be enforced by the police – also allows more people to gather at COVID-19 secure venues, such as places of worship and restaurants.
(Please note that while restaurants and bars can be open for larger groups the numbers of people drinking or eating together from different households is limited to six).
Hospitality venues can still host larger numbers in total but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups.
Weddings and funerals of up to 30 people can still take place in COVID-19 secure venues.
Dr Will Maimaris, Haringey’s Director of Public Health, said: “In recent days we have been seeing COVID-19 figures going up very quickly across the UK.
“But this isn’t a problem just happening somewhere else, it is happening right here in Haringey.
“Unless we all act now to protect our communities, it will be our area, our families and our business which will be hit.
“We can no longer leave it up to someone else – we must all take personal responsibility if we are to bring the virus under control.
“So I’m asking everyone please wear a face covering when you go out; limit the number of people you see socially and keep your distance; and wash your hands more regularly.
“These are small measures, but they make a big difference.
“And if you show any of the signs of having COVID-19, a new cough that won’t go away, a fever or a change or loss of taste or smell, stay at home.”
Ban on more than six people meeting
Social gatherings of more than six people from different households will be banned from Monday (September 14) to halt a steep rise in Covid-19 cases.
The new move will make it illegal for larger groups to meet socially both indoors and outdoors.
It will also apply in people’s own homes and in bars and restaurants.
However, it will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure or places of worship. Up to 30 people will still be able to attend weddings and funerals.
Organised team sports will also be exempt.
Household bubbles – including support bubbles – which have more than six people will also be exempt from the new policy.
Those breaking the new law will face fines of £100, doubling up to a maximum of £3,200.
The ban comes as the figures show the number of under 30s testing positive for the Coronavirus has risen sharply since the beginning of July.
There is growing concern that although younger people are more resilient to the effects of the virus, it will jump to older generations who are more vulnerable and suffer worse symptoms.
You can find the latest information, including further details of what you can and cannot do, from the Government website here (external link).
People are again being reminded that even after these new rules come into place they should still:
- Wash their hands more often, for at least 20 seconds
- Wear a face covering, when in a public enclosed space
- Keep at least two metres from people (socially distance)
Problems with national testing capacity
We are aware that many residents are having problems accessing the national NHS Test and Trace service for people displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
This is not just a local issue but is affecting all areas of the country.
As a local authority we have been asking for these issues to be resolved as quickly as possible.
The Director of testing at NHS Test and Trace, Sarah-Jane Marsh, has apologised to anyone who has been unable to access a COVID-19 test.
The testing sites do in fact have capacity, which is why they do not appear overcrowded, it is the laboratory processing that is causing delays due to the demand.
The NHS is doing all it can to expand the service as quickly as possible. We are also working with the national programme on setting up additional testing sites within Haringey to ensure residents can get tested locally.
An effective test and trace system is crucial in managing our response and reducing case numbers within our borough.
At present we have one mobile testing unit operating at Alexandra Palace, Hornsey Gate, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY.
Please note, you will need to book an appointment in advance, you will not be able to get a test by turning up.
To arrange a test call 119 or visit the testing website here (external link).
The dates for September are:
- Thursday 10th
- Sunday 13th
- Wednesday 16th
- Saturday 19th
- Tuesday 22nd
- Friday 25th
- Monday 28th
Another MTU is operating at Raynham Road Car Park in Enfield where a Covid-19 walk in test centre is operating for the foreseeable future.
You will also be required to book an appointment before having the test.
See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
Visit the GOV.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
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