London faces lockdown as it moves up coronavirus ‘watch list’

London could be facing a local lockdown after the capital was placed on the national coronavirus ‘watch list’ following a spike in cases.

The new figures show that 620 new cases were confirmed in the capital in the last 24 hours, more than double the number at the beginning of the week.

The news was confirmed this morning by the London Councils, but a formal announcement from Public Health England is expected later today.

Thirty-five more Covid-19 patients have been admitted to London hospital last day, bringing the total to 212. Forty of these patients are currently on ventilators.

Council leaders representing the 33 boroughs said the decision to place the city on the watch list was a “ stark reminder ” of the need for “ all Londoners to come together and take action to stay on track. themselves, their families and their communities safe, and to ensure that London’s economy is protected ”.

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The capital joins other areas, including Bolton and Blackburn, on the watch list, which is decided by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the advice of the medical director, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Center for Biosafety and Public Health England.

It comes after crowds were seen flocking onto the streets of London and the tube last night on the first night after the introduction of the 10pm curfew

One witness described the Tubes as “the busiest I have seen in central London in months” as they all “hit the streets” with no staggered tee times.

London city councils said all boroughs were working with their communities, businesses and the police to engage, educate, explain and, if necessary, enforce the new restrictions and regulations.

Deputy Deputy Commissioner Matt Twist, who is leading the Met’s response to the pandemic, said the ‘vast majority of Londoners’ have played by the rules and ‘responded positively to the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in.’

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