London is to be formally moved up to the second tier of coronavirus restrictions later this week, a decision backed by the mayor, Sadiq Khan, but which prompted protests from a number of Conservative MPs in the capital.
London, Essex, and Elmbridge in Surrey are among a series of districts moved into the “high risk” section of the three-level system, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told the Commons.
London MPs were told about the decision in advance of Hancock’s statement in a conference call on Thursday morning.The changes mean people must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
People should also aim to avoid public transport.
Schools, universities, and places of worship can remain open and all businesses can continue to operate with Covid-secure measures, though the measure is likely to significantly affect more than 3,000 pubs and 7,000 restaurants across London.
Khan had called for tougher restrictions in London but has also said the city will need financial support for businesses, workers, and public services.
Speaking after a meeting with No 10, the mayor said the virus was “spreading rapidly in every corner of our city.
” London will soon reach an average of 100 cases for every 100,000 people – a significant number of boroughs are already over that threshold.
