Merton’s COVID-19 alert level moves to HIGH

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From Merton council:

Merton’s COVID-19 alert level moves to HIGH

Merton, along with the rest of London, is moving to a high COVID Alert Level from 00.01 on Saturday 17 October.
This means people must not meet anyone from outside their household or support bubble indoors – not at home or in a public place.
People can only meet people outdoors in up to groups of six and should reduce the number of journeys they make.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis urges everyone to follow the guidelines to keep Merton safe.
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Local alert level HIGH: what does this mean?

  • you must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
  • you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)
  • businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law
  • certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must 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-through
  • schools, universities and places of worship remain open
  • weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
  • exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport
  • you can continue to travel to venues or amenities that are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

You must: 

  • wear a face covering in those areas where this is mandated

You should continue to: 

  • follow social distancing rules
  • work from home where you can effectively do so
  • walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport

Find out more about the local covid alert levels, including alert levels medium and very high.
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Test and Trace Support Payments now available

If you are on a low income and you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, you may be entitled to a payment of £500 if you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result.
The Test and Trace Support Payment scheme is open to recipients of certain benefits or those that can prove extreme financial hardship.
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