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During the weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Woking, along with the rest of Surrey (except Waverley) face tighter Tier 4 COVID-19 restrictions. The increased restrictions, requesting people to stay at home, took effect from Sunday 20 December and will do so until further notice from the Government.
The new Tier 4 Stay Home restrictions, include:
- You must not leave home except for specific purposes: to shop for food, for medical reasons or to work (if you cannot work from home).
- Do not travel unless it is necessary and do not travel to an area which is in a lower COVID alert tier.
- You cannot mix with members from different households inside, unless they are part of a support bubble.
- You can meet with a maximum of one other person from another household outdoors and in a public space only.
- All non-essential shops, personal care, indoor gyms as well as hospitality venues are closed.
As part of these enhanced measures, the proposed easing of restrictions for five days over Christmas is cancelled and residents must follow the Tier 4 restrictions.
Residents should continue to follow guidance on wearing face coverings and social distancing. If you can’t work from home you should walk or cycle where possible, or try to avoid busy times on public transport.
View the full Tier 4 restrictions
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “The weekend’s announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that Woking Borough, along with much of Surrey, was to move to the Tier 4 alert level will come as a blow to many residents and businesses.
“It is especially disappointing for people who have been preparing to see friends and family this festive season, which can no longer take place. It has certainly been an exhausting and overwhelming year for everyone.
“Yet these measures are essential to protect and save lives. With rapidly rising infection rates and, a more virulent strain of COVID-19 in circulation, now is not the time to relax. It is a time to re-double our efforts and follow these new restrictions to keep Woking safe. It would be tragic to lose any more people to this disease now that a vaccine rollout is in progress.
“Preventative measures are still the best way to reduce the infection rate. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of the virus by continuing to socially distance, washing our hands, wearing a face covering, and by self-isolating and getting tested if you show any symptoms.
"More than ever, we must all play our part. So this festive season, please stay home.”
Got symptoms? Get a test
Anyone who has symptoms of Coronavirus, whatever their age, should book a test immediately. It’s important to book a test within the first five days of having symptoms.
To book a test, visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
For more information about government and health advice, including the full Tier 4 restrictions, how to book a test, council service updates, accessing help and support and support for businesses, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/coronavirus
