The government has removed legal restrictions for COVID-19 in England, as of Thursday 24 February.

You can still take steps to protect yourself, when meeting yourself, your loved ones, friends and neighbours by following the guidance here.

Our aim is to get as many people as vaccinated as possible and increase the number of residents who have had their booster jabs. Many members of the public have had all three, and cases are continuing to decline, we’re in a safer position for restrictions to be lifted.

Majority have had their booster vaccines

In Ealing most of the population are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nationally 66% of the public have now received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting the vaccine remains the best way of staying safe against the virus. This means that the threat of COVID-19 in Ealing has been considerably reduced as the risk of severe disease from COVID-19 is much lower for those who are vaccinated.

The best way of staying safe and protected against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. It is now easier than ever and 5 – 11 year olds are the most recent age group to be offered the vaccine. You can book your appointment and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine here.

Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for healthy lives said: “I have been blown away by how Ealing’s community have come together these last two years. Residents have shown a million acts of kindness towards each other and have made huge sacrifices to their lives to protect their neighbours and loved ones. I am sure that that this spirit of generosity and care for one another will continue as legal restrictions begin to be lifted and COVID-19 becomes a less serious, yet endemic disease”.

Our council buildings will no longer continue to operate a face covering policy but we are still encouraging staff and residents to wear face masks when on council premises. We are also encouraging residents to consider wearing face masks in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as in the supermarket or on public transport. Please be mindful and considerate towards other people’s choices around wearing face masks.

Social distancing will continue to be observed in council buildings.

We know that this news from the government may make some people feel anxious and as a council our priority remains protecting our most vulnerable residents. We know that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and our work is focused on tackling these health inequalities.

You can continue to also pick up rapid testing kits at a number of local libraries and pharmacies – find out where you can currently get tested in Ealing here.

Public health guidance

Please remember:

• Hands – wash your hands regularly
• Face – wear a face covering
• Space – keep a distance between yourself and othes
• Fresh air – ensure good ventilation when indoors with other people

Keep up to date on the latest data on COVID-19 in Ealing.

Keep up to date with national guidance by reading the Government’s most up to date COVID-19 advice.