New COVID restrictions

New national restrictions will apply in Merton and across the whole of England from today (5 November) until 2 December.
After four weeks the government will look to return to a local and regional approach, based on the latest data.
We are working through the new rules to establish exactly what they mean for our services and will update our website with any new advice for residents or businesses as soon as further details are confirmed by the government.
In brief, the new regulations mean that you must stay at home, with a limited set of exemptions.

• Only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work.
• You must work from home if you can.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Schools and essential shops will remain open.

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The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE, said:
“We must all follow the national restrictions to help keep Merton safe.
The weeks ahead will be difficult and require us all to significantly change the way we live our lives, but the sacrifices we make will be worth all
our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. Together, Merton will get through this with resilience and the determination to protect the most vulnerable residents in our communities.”

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New COVID-19 restrictions: What it means for you and the borough’s businesses

If you live in Merton, you must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household – meaning the people you live with or support bubble.
To find out how the new restrictions will affect you…

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Help for the self-employed 

If you are self-employed and need support, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension opens for applications from 14 December.
This provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of two grants, each available for three month periods covering
November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021.

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Support for residents in Merton 

We realise that these news restrictions will be very difficult for our communities and will impact on our residents. That’s why the Merton COVID-19 Community Response Hub offers a range of support to anyone who is affected by Coronavirus.

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Showing symptoms of coronavirus?

Self-isolate and get tested   Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps stop the virus spreading to other people.
The rules around self isolation are:

• 10 days if you have symptoms or test positive
• 14 days if someone in your household/bubble has symptoms or tests positive

By self-isolating, you are not only protecting your loved ones and our community, you are also helping to stop the virus spreading to those who may become very sick if they become infected.
This is why it is now the law to self-isolate when you are told to or when the rules for isolation apply to you. Breaking the rules could lead to a fine of up to £10,000.
Together we can keep Merton and your loved ones safe.

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Stay safe at home this Bonfire Night 

Remember, remember stay safe in November!
Bonfire Night will look very different this year. Here’s how you can keep yourself, your friends and family, and the whole community safe:

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Remembrance services in Merton

Every year, Merton joins the nation and unites on Remembrance Sunday to honour the services of our armed forces and to remember those who have sacrificed their lives.
This year, to comply with social distancing measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is with great sadness that Merton’s Remembrance Sunday parades will not go ahead and the services at our war memorials will be small socially distanced events.
However, there are still ways that you can take part in remembrance events from the safety of your home.

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