Sadiq Khan warns London is at Tier 3 ‘tipping point’ as he unveils boosted Covid measures

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan 
PA

Sadiq Khan has unveiled boosted coronavirus measures as he warned London is facing a “tipping point”.

The Mayor of London warned that action is needed now to avoid London being plunged into the strictest Tier 3 level when the system is reviewed next week.

A series of new measures were agreed at a meeting of London figures and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick on Thursday afternoon.  

Meanwhile, the City of London has warned pubs and restaurants they will be fined for allowing mixed-household Christmas parties as part of their tough clampdown.

It comes after the Standard revealed last night that London MPs had been briefed on the escalating number of cases in the capital and now fear the capital is “almost certainly” going to be put into Tier 3.

The Mayor of London said: “Nobody wants the capital to face Tier 3 restrictions - it would be catastrophic for our pubs, bars, restaurants and culture venues - but with cases rising we are now at a tipping point, which is why we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to get on top of the virus by following the rules.” 

The new measures include more community testing, extra police officers, Covid marshalls and stronger enforcement of mask-wearing by Transport for London.  They are putting on an extra 10 mobile testing units plus 40 permanent and 35 mobile lateral flow test centres.

Teams are targeting the rising case numbers in the worst-affected areas including Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest.  

Mr Khan and the chair of London Councils and Camden leader Georgia Gould are also calling on ministers for further support.  

This includes getting London testing levels to above the England average, more support for those self-isolating, greater enforcement and enhancing local contact tracing.

Councillor Gould added: “We are urging people to be extra careful this weekend and during the festive period.  

“If you are planning to head out this weekend please wear a mask and try to plan ahead. If there is a less busy time that you can do your shopping, it will be much safer for you, other shoppers and retailers.”

Meanwhile, Professor Kevin Fenton, the capital’s public health chief, today warned of the “worrying trajectory” of the disease and appealed to Londoners to stick to social distancing rules.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said an additional 15 mobile testing units will be deployed in or near London schools for staff, students and their families to be tested. They will also provide approximately 75,000 additional PCR tests for schools in areas of concern and 44,000 home test kits for school staff before they return in January.

Shaun Bailey, Tory mayoral candidate, said: “With data showing the highest prevalence among secondary school children, it’s so important we get our 11-18 year olds tested. "

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