London Councils Chair Cllr Peter John has urged people to follow government advice to ensure London's parks can remain open.

"Boroughs want to keep London’s parks open", he said. "These open spaces are especially important to the many Londoners without a garden.

"But in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we must all do our bit to slow the spread of the virus and help save lives.

"As the bank holiday weekend approaches, it’s crucial we all keep listening to government advice: Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Anyone going to a park for exercise should stay as local as possible, not gather in groups, and keep two metres’ distance apart.

"Boroughs are hugely grateful for the efforts Londoners are making during this difficult time."

London Councils has praised the vital work of frontline staff and volunteers in supporting vulnerable Londoners during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, said: “Boroughs are immensely grateful for the dedication of adult social care staff, who are working around the clock to support vulnerable residents and relieve pressure on the NHS.

“During this crisis, London adult social care services have redoubled efforts to avoid delays in the transfer of care from hospitals. The sector is playing a crucial role in the resilience of our NHS and will be more important than ever in the coming weeks.

“Boroughs also want to thank the charities and volunteers providing support at this difficult time. Their sterling efforts make such a difference to vulnerable members of our communities."

London Councils' Civil Resilience Handbook for London Councillors has been updated to reflect new advice In light of the Covid 19 Pandemic, in particular with regard to how councillors' roles should be discharged with reference to the government’s latest advice and guidance. The handbook includes checklists for leading members and ward members.

You can read more about the handbook on London Councils website and downloard the latest version here [pdf].

A briefing note advising of the changes was sent to London councillors on Monday evening.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has this week written to local authority chief executives explaining two sets of regulations made under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The first set of regulations enables all local authority meetings before 7 May 2021 to be held remotely and removes the requirement for the annual meeting this year.

The second set postpones until 6 May 2021 local by-elections and other polls, either scheduled or which would otherwise arise before that date.