City council leader responds to new COVID-19 restrictions
Winchester City Council is here to support residents and businesses following the government's announcement of a new four-week lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19.
These additional restrictions come into force on Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December 2020, which means that everyone must stay at home and may leave only for a limited set of reasons, including:
- Education (schools, colleges and universities)
- Work, if you cannot work from home
- Exercise and recreation outdoors with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household
- Medical reasons including, appointments and to escape injury or harm
- Shopping for food and essentials
- Provide care for vulnerable people
Cllr Lucille Thompson, Leader of Winchester City Council, said in response to the incoming restrictions:
“As I’m sure you are aware, the Prime Minister has announced a four week period of restrictions between Thursday 5 November and Wednesday 2 December.
“I’d like to thank everybody in our district for your patience, understanding and cooperation as your council works with national government and public health services to continue its work in our communities. Throughout the first lockdown we were pleased to keep our services running and will do so again.
“You may see some changes to the way some services operate as we follow public health advice. We are also directing essential resources to the critical customer responses that ensure the more vulnerable amongst us are properly supported.
Our shared goal is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community – taking extra care of the people who need it most.”
During this time the council has identified its priorities to ensure critical local services to Winchester residents are maintained, these include:
- Maintaining critical frontline services, especially those that may face extra demand or additional operational challenges in the coming weeks
- Supporting individuals or groups who are identified as most at risk from COVID-19
- Supporting the businesses who have been forced to close and working with those who are able to remain open to ensure they are operating within COVID-19 Secure guidance
- Enabling and supporting the valuable work of community groups and individuals who are taking practical action to help their neighbours
Winchester City Council is working closely with Hampshire County Council, Public Health England, local NHS partners and other agencies and bodies to ensure we are as well prepared as we prepare for the tighter restrictions.
To access the NHS advice click here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
For a wide range of guidance and advice click here: www.hants.gov.uk/coronavirus