A second lockdown period comes into force today, Thursday 5 November 2020, and Ealing residents are urged to follow the government’s rules to ensure that we reduce the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and help save lives.

New national restrictions mean that some local services will close, including the borough’s leisure centres, Hanwell Zoo, Gunnersbury Park Museum and Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery.  Community centres will also close unless they offer child care or nursery provision.

Changes for libraries

Ealing Central Library will remain open for book drop, click and collect and digital access, with a limited number of computers available. All other libraries are closed. All current library loans will be extended until 1 December 2020, with late return fines waived until that date. All library cards that are due to expire will now run until 1 March 2021. The council will review these dates over the coming weeks.

The council’s Home Library Service, which delivers books to your home every month if you are unable to visit your local library, will continue but will operate on a no-contact basis.  The council will consider expanding this service if the national social distancing policy continues beyond current expectations.

Online library membership will continue to offer the full range of online resources. New members will be able to access the full range of online resources and eBooks with their ‘unregistered’ number without the need to physically attend a library for activation.

Registrar service and parks

Weddings and group citizenship ceremonies will not be taking place but the registration service remains open for registering births and deaths.  Funerals in the borough will continue to take place, but in line with national rules, services are limited to 30 people.

The borough’s parks will remain open, including playgrounds, MUGAs, outdoor gyms and car parks. However, team sports have been cancelled and tennis and basketball courts will be closed to the public. Allotments will also remain open. Cafes in parks are permitted to remain open for takeaways.

Please remember that you must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes, which includes exercise – and should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people to ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

Waste and recycling

The council’s reuse and recycling centres will remain open, with Covid-19 safety rules applying at all times. Residents are also to book in advance via the council’s website. Waste and recycling collections will continue as normal.

Testing time

Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council said: “This is a hugely testing time for all our residents and I know how difficult a second lockdown will be for everyone over the next few weeks.

“I’d like to thank local people for their continued effort and sacrifice in following the rules, staying home and social distancing as we work together to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“It is vital that we all follow the new national restrictions, which come into effect from Thursday, as we work to cut the rate of infection, safeguard the NHS and protect our friends and family. The health and wellbeing of family, friends and ourselves must be our top priority, help and support is available if you need it.

“Some council services have changed in line with government restrictions. Our parks are remaining open but as always, please follow the rules and social distance at all times.”

New rules

The new rules mean that:

• Pubs, restaurants are closed except for take-away or click and collect services
• Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will close
• People must not mix indoors or in private gardens with people they don’t live with or who aren’t in their support bubble
• People should travel only when it is essential to do so
• It is essential to social distance – and residents are reminded to stay two metres apart from anyone they don’t live with at all times  

Please remember to:

• Hands – wash your hands regularly
• Face – wear a face covering
• Space – maintain social distancing.