Lockdown v2.0...

We got an email from our local council this afternoon. All sensible but sobering advice.

Dear Resident,

The Government has today announced the following new restrictions to help control the spread of coronavirus in our community:

People should work from home wherever possible

From this Thursday (24 September) pubs, bars and restaurants must close at 10pm – they will also be restricted to table service only

Face masks will be compulsory for bar staff and non-seated customers, shop workers, waiters and in taxis

The limit on guests at weddings will be reduced from 30 to 15 from Monday (28 September)

Plans to allow fans to return to sporting events have been paused

The "Rule of six" now applies to indoor team sports – this also takes effect from Monday

Fines for not wearing masks or following rules have increased to £200 for a first offence.

The evidence is clear that infection rates are rising rapidly in London, including in Islington. I know today’s announcement will be disappointing, but the restrictions are necessary to save lives and avoid a second full lockdown. We all need to act now to bring the virus back under control and prevent the devastating illness and deaths we saw earlier in the year.

The council is working hard to keep residents safe, but the only way we can do that is if every single person plays their part.

Keep yourself, your family and friends safe

We all want life to return to normal but that will only happen if we all follow the rules. We can all do our bit to keep this virus under control and protect ourselves, our friends and our family if we:

Stick with six – do not meet with more than six people at any time, indoors or outdoors and try to limit the number of people you see socially over a short period

Wash your hands regularly – and make the most of hand sanitiser stations at buildings and public spaces across the capital

Wear a face covering in public places, including shops and public transport

Create space – stay 2m apart from people outside your household, particularly in public places

Check your symptoms – if you start to develop any coronavirus symptoms make sure you self-isolate and book a test by calling 119.