Coronavirus: London added to national COVID-19 watch list amid surge in infections
Author: Aishah Rahman | Friday 25th September 2020
London has been added to the national COVID-19 watch list as the number of cases continue to rise. Figures show 620 new cases have been confirmed in the capital over the last 24 hours. London could be facing stricter restrictions being imposed or a local lockdown.
The announcement was made on Friday morning by London councils whom represent 33 boroughs, but a formal confirmation by Public Health England is expected later today.
In a statement the London council said: “It is a stark reminder that now is the time for all Londoners to pull together and take action to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe, and to ensure that the London economy is protected”.
The London Mayor Sadiq Khan warns “London is at a very worrying tipping point right now. We’re seeing a sharp rise in 111 calls, hospital admissions, and patients in ICU”.
The watch list is determined by Health Secretary Matt Hancock after studying epidemiological advice from the chief medical officer, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre, and Public Health England.
The London Council ask to abide by the new restrictions set out by Boris Johnson earlier in the week which includes the rule of six, but there are no additional rules put in place at this stage.
