This weekend is critical, with many shoppers, retailers and people in the hospitality sector experiencing high numbers of contacts with other people in the busy Christmas shopping period.

This has been a very tough year for local businesses in Islington, and without support from shoppers, many amazing businesses may not survive.

While it is vital we all do our bit to support our local businesses, the latest data shows that rates of coronavirus infection are on the rise in most London boroughs, including in people aged 60 and over who are most at risk of serious illness or death. If cases continue to rise, the capital will be moved into Tier 3 with greater restrictions to protect residents from the virus. including the closing of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect.

Please shop locally in Islington, avoiding crowded buses and trains, and places where there may be lots of contacts with people, which can help to spread the virus.

In Islington, council officers are working closely with shops and businesses to make sure businesses are safe for shoppers, and that Covid-19 rules are kept, to help keep everyone safe.

Please follow the safety measures your local shops have put in place.  If you need to queue, remember to stand 2m from other customers, and use contactless payment if you can.

Remember to wear a face mask over your mouth and nose when out-and-about in crowded places. Everyone must wear a mask on public transport, in shops, and when in restaurants, except when sitting at their table.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s executive member for jobs and inclusive economy, said: “Our local shops, retail and hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of our community.  They have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to make sure shops and restaurants are Covid-secure.

“This weekend we’re asking everyone to make an extra effort to shop locally and shop safely and do everything possible to cut the risk of further increases in rates of infection, reducing the likelihood of more severe restrictions that will follow if rates keep rising.

“We’re working very closely with Islington’s fantastic shops and businesses to make sure they are Covid-19 safe.  By shopping locally you can visit businesses where we are checking Covid-19 rules are being met, and avoid travel on crowded buses and trains.

“It is vital we all support our local shops and hospitality industry, if we can, and make sure we shop extra safely this weekend. By doing so, we will save lives, and jobs that will be lost if London went into Tier 3 restrictions where pubs and restaurants are closed.

“To keep infections down and keep our families and loved ones safe, we must all be careful and do our bit to follow the rules as we support our brilliant local businesses.”

You can also support many local businesses by shopping and ordering online. For a directory of local businesses in Islington please see the Islington Life website.