Coronavirus lockdown restrictions 'increasingly likely' in London

Coronavirus – Sadiq Khan has said it is “increasingly likely” lockdown restrictions will be required in London to curb the “accelerating” spread of coronavirus.

The Mayor of London said he was “extremely concerned” about the speed at which Covid-19 is spreading in the capital.

Mr Khan said the spread is “made worse by the uncertainty caused by the lack of testing capacity” in London.

In a statement, he said: “This afternoon I held an emergency meeting with London council leaders, the Government and Public Health England to discuss the next steps.

“It is increasingly likely that, in London, additional measures will soon be required to slow the spread of the virus. We will be considering some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the UK.

“I am of the firm view that we should not wait, as happened six months ago, for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action. The best thing for both public health and the economy is new restrictions imposed early, rather than a full lockdown when it’s too late – but the government must urgently ensure there is a fully functioning testing system.

“I strongly urge all Londoners to be as cautious as possible over this weekend. Please think very carefully about your actions – strictly follow social distancing rules, regularly wash your hands and wear a face covering to help reduce the spread of the virus.”

It comes as Councillor Peter John, chairman of the cross-party London Councils group which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation, said authorities “will not hesitate” to take measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“With tighter restrictions being brought in across parts of the country, it is clear the situation around Covid-19 is worsening,” he said.

“It is essential that all Londoners pull together and take action to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.

“We must all remember to frequently wash our hands, wear face coverings in enclosed spaces, including in shops and public transport, and to keep at least two metres apart from others wherever possible. If we have symptoms of Covid-19 we should immediately self-isolate and get tested.

“We must follow the ‘rule of six’ and not meet in groups of more than six people, including people in our household or support bubble, indoors or outdoors.”

He added: “It is vital that London’s testing capacity is boosted so that Londoners have timely access to Covid-19 tests, as well as ensuring they self-isolate to stop transmission of the virus as soon as they have symptoms.

“We are alert to the ongoing situation and will not hesitate to take extra measures if necessary.”