No extra measures to be taken in London yet; students may have to stay at university for holidays; new restrictions for Leeds likely from Saturday
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The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pointed to a lack of testing capacity in the capital as the reason why it had become an area of concern (see previous update). He said:
London is at a very worrying tipping point right now. We’re seeing a sharp rise in 111 calls, hospital admissions and patients in ICU [intensive care units].
The near collapse of test and trace and the resurgence of the virus means new measures to slow its spread were absolutely necessary.
London is being placed on the national Covid-19 watchlist, London Councils, a cross-party organisation which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London, announced a short while ago.
The list is divided between areas where intervention is required via local lockdown restrictions and areas of concern that are closely monitored.
There are no additional measures at this stage but it is welcome that that the city’s testing capacity is boosted so that Londoners have timely access to Covid-19 tests and the government must ensure that this is sustained from now on. If Londoners have Covid-19 symptoms they should apply for a test at nhs/coronavirus or call 119.
London boroughs are working with their communities, business and the police to engage, educate, explain and, if necessary, enforce the new restrictions and regulations, and the government must ensure that it funds these so resources do not need to be drawn from other services.
