Date:
Woking, along with the rest of Surrey (except Waverley), will be placed into Tier 3, the Very High Covid Alert Level, from Saturday 19 December 2020.
The Very High alert level is for areas with a very high or very rapidly rising level of infections, where tighter restrictions are required. The decision to move an area into a higher tier is based on a number of indicators, including the overall infection rate, the rate in the over 60s, and the pressure on the NHS.
This means that if you live in Woking:
- You can only mix households (in groups of up to 6) in outdoor spaces, such as parks and the countryside, not in private gardens.
- You must not mix with anyone you don’t live with (or who aren’t in your support bubble) in any indoor setting.
- All hospitality venues such as bars, pubs and cafés must shut (including the festive break). They can open for takeaway only.
- Indoor entertainment venues, such as theatres and cinemas, must close.
- Accommodation, such as hotels and B&Bs, must close.
- You should avoid travelling outside your area, including overnight stays, other than where necessary, such as for work, education or medical treatment. If travelling to a lower tier area, you should continue to follow Tier 3 rules and must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK, or visit their home (unless they share a support bubble).
Residents should continue to follow guidance on wearing face coverings, social distancing, and working from home where possible. If you can’t work from home you should walk or cycle where possible, or try to avoid busy times on public transport.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “The Government announced yesterday that Woking Borough will move to Tier 3 from Saturday 19 December.
“Despite our best efforts, the latest COVID-19 figures are showing that the virus is accelerating in the wrong direction across the borough, much of Surrey and the south east. The lives of residents are at risk. It would be tragic to lose more people to this disease now that a vaccine roll-out 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. I urge all our communities to follow the new rules, stay alert and stay safe.”
View the detailed restrictions for Tier 3
Video message from the Leader of Woking Borough Council
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.