North West London residents advised to stay home this Christmas

Doctors in North West London are urging local people to stay home and follow new tier 4 guidance to protect their loved ones over the Christmas period, as rates of Covid-19 in NW London are high and rising rapidly.  

Rates have risen significantly in all eight NW London boroughs over the last seven days. London has now entered Tier 4, the highest level of alert, which means urgent action is needed to reduce transmission of the virus. 

Professor Julian Redhead, Medical Director at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Clinical Director for North West London Integrated Care System, said:

“Rates of coronavirus are rising rapidly in North West London. Our intensive care units are close to capacity, more people are getting infected and unfortunately, some are losing their lives. People must strictly follow the national restrictions and public health guidance in place under Tier 4 and stay at home.

“The increase in coronavirus rates across NW London boroughs over the last seven days is a worrying picture.  We would advise people to do everything they can to stay safe and protect their loved ones this Christmas.” 

Harrow GP Dr Genevieve Small, Chair of Harrow CCG, added:

“We would advise residents to follow the national guidance over the Christmas period to stay with their household and minimise contact with others. Follow the Tier 4 guidance:  wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and social distance at all times. 

“We want our local residents to know that no matter what your concern may be, our NHS services continue to be available for your use. The NHS is open. If you need medical attention, contact your GP, use the 111 online service or call 111. In a medical emergency, as always, you should dial 999.”

Tier 4 guidance to follow

It is vital we all follow the “Hands, Face, Space” guidance – and that we get a test locally if we develop any Covid-19 symptoms.

• We must stay home unless making essential journeys
• All non-essential shops and close contact businesses, including hairdressers, nail salons and gyms in the borough will close
• People should work from home if they can
• No mixing of households allowed indoors
• No overnight stays outside your household or support bubble in Tier 4
• We should not travel outside of your local Tier 4 area
• We are allowed to meet one other person outdoors