London is to move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions due to concern about spiralling numbers of infections, the health minister announced Monday.
The British capital’s move into “Tier 3” from 0001 GMT Wednesday means theatres as well as pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will have to close, except for takeaway food.
People are not supposed to socialise with anyone not from their household, but they can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said London had seen a “sharp rise” in daily cases and hospital admissions, and there was public health concern about a new strain of the coronavirus.
“This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later,” he told parliament.
In some areas, cases are doubling every seven days, he said, warning: “It only takes a few doublings for the NHS (National Health Service) to be overwhelmed.”
Scientists have identified a “new variant” of the virus in the south of England that may be causing infections to spread faster, Hancock added.
But he said: “There’s currently nothing to suggest it is more likely to cause serious cases and the latest clinical advice is it is highly unlikely to fail to respond to a vaccine.”
Currently London is in “Tier 2”, which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country.
Tier 3 or “very high alert” means that while bars, pubs and cafes can only offer takeaway food and drinks, shops and hairdressers can stay open, as can schools.
