Moving to a Tier 2 coronavirus lockdown is “the right thing to do for the borough”, according to Haringey’s council leader.

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor said it is it is “crucial” that residents pay attention to public health messaging designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Tier 2 lockdown measures, set to take effect across London from midnight on Friday, mean separate households will be banned from mixing indoors unless they are part of a support bubble.

People will still be able to meet in outdoor settings such as parks and gardens, but only in groups of six people or less.

Cllr Ejiofor said: “This is the right thing to do for London and our borough.

“It is absolutely vital that we do all we can to prevent the continued spread of this virus. We all have a role to play and it is crucial that every resident pays keen attention to the public health messaging – it is there to save lives, and as a council we will be actively enforcing it where we have the power to do so.

“I want to thank everyone who has been doing the right thing and following the guidance.

“We are now expecting – and desperately need – the Government to properly fund and support local authorities as we continue to deliver for our residents and businesses.”

The council said residents are being advised to only travel when necessary and to reduce the number of journeys they make, avoiding the busiest times on public transport.

Schools, universities and places of worship will be allowed to remain open, while restaurants and bars will continue to close at 10pm.

Dr Will Maimaris, director of public health in Haringey, said: “Over the past few weeks we have been seeing the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Haringey rise. This is the same pattern we have seen across London.

“Admissions to local hospitals are increasing, with rising numbers of Covid patients needing intensive care support.

“Some people are dying and without the care and skill of the doctors and nurses who are treating them, many more would die.

“I know many of you are following the guidance and I would like to say thank you for that. I must repeat: do the right thing.

“That means wearing a face covering when going to indoor public spaces; wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; socially distance, stay at least 2 metres away from others, and get a test if you have symptoms.

“But most of all keep your social interactions small, no matter what age you are. Every time you mix with other people you run the risk of catching or spreading the virus and you won’t even know it.”