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LONDON: London will be placed on the toughest level of COVID-19 restrictions following a sharp increase in coronavirus infection rates, the Daily Mirror reported on Monday (December 14), while one of the world’s richest cities fight to contain the disease.
Earlier this month, the government implemented a three-tiered system of restrictions in England to try to keep a second wave of the virus in check after a month-long lockdown. More than 40 percent of citizens were in the highest risk category.
However, the capital, whose 9 million inhabitants and the world’s leading financial center make it the engine of the British economy, is currently only at the second highest level of restrictions.
The Daily Mirror reported that Health Secretary Matt Hancock told lawmakers in a conference call that London would move to the top tier, citing those on the call.
READ: UK reduces COVID-19 self-isolation period to 10 days for domestic contacts, international arrivals
Hancock was due to speak in parliament at 3.30pm GMT (11.30pm Singapore time) and then organize a press conference.
Initially, a nationwide review of the tier system was scheduled for December 16.
The main difference between the top two levels is that bars and restaurants, which can remain open under certain conditions on level two, must close their doors on level three and can only operate take-out services.
There are also additional restrictions on socializing, but workplaces and schools must remain open.
“Moving to Level 3 before Christmas will be deeply disappointing for Londoners and a terrible blow to the hospitality, leisure and culture sectors of the capital,” said John Dickie, Director of Strategy and Policy for the London business campaign group. First.
London was one of the first parts of the country to be hit by the coronavirus during the initial spike from March to May, but until recently a second wave has been more concentrated in northern and central England.
Data released last week showed London’s case rates per 100,000 residents at 191.8, putting the city ahead of regions with more stringent rules, such as the West Midlands.
Based on that data, the government raised concerns about the spread of the virus in London schools and announced a mass testing program. Two regions of the capital have unilaterally decided to close their schools entirely.
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