Sadiq Khan told Sky News that it was “inevitable” that London would pass a “springboard” for tougher coronavirus restrictions in the “next few days”.
“All the indicators I have, hospitalization, ICU occupancy, numbers of elderly people infected, disease prevalence, and positivity all go in the wrong direction.” London The mayor said.
“Which means, I am afraid it is inevitable that over the next few days London will have passed the starting point to be in the second level.”
The capital is currently located in Level 1 of the three-tiered government system Corona Virus Restrictions, which means “medium” alert level.
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But the mayor’s office has put Londoners on alert to move the capital to Level 2, with a spokesperson saying on Monday that the situation “could change very quickly – maybe even this week.”
Level 1, ‘Medium’, would cover a large part of England and include current national restrictions such as ‘Rule of Six’ and curfews at 10pm for pubs, bars and restaurants.
Level 2, “High,” would see people prevented from communicating with other families at home, including in bars and restaurants. However, support bubbles will still be allowed.
In these areas, the rule of six will continue to be applied outdoors in public places, as well as in private gardens.
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Khan told Sky News that London as a whole should move to tighter restrictions, rather than adopting an “hyper-local” approach to the various restrictions of different neighborhoods.
“We are keen to act as one where we can see the complications and confusion caused by the presence of additional restrictions in some neighborhoods and the presence of fewer neighborhoods in others,” he said.
“Many Londoners work in one area, live in another area, study in another area, and go to a restaurant in another area, so we are really keen to go as one city.”
The average London level was 78 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 in the seven days through 9 October, with the level varying across different parts of the capital.
Ealing in west London recorded 119 new cases, while Bexley in the southeast of the capital recorded the lowest number of new cases, at 51.6.
Labor MP Sam Tarry, representing Ilford South in East London, has called for a short “circuit breaker” across London to “save lives”.
Documents released on Monday revealed a brief national lockdown Recommended for the government By scientists three weeks ago.
Asked about the possibility of moving London to Level 2, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman did not rule it out.
“We continue to closely monitor data across England and I think we have shown that if the additional measures are judged necessary then we have not hesitated to act,” they said.
Meanwhile, Essex County Council asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock to move the district from Level 1 to Level 2, after what he said was a spike in cases.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham of the Labor Party, told Sky News earlier that he would prefer closing the “circuit break” nationally over stricter domestic measures.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Burnham said there was “pressure” from the government to put the region on “very high” alert, but had “serious doubts” that Level 3 measures would be sufficient.
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Level 3, “Very High”, will prevent people from mixing with other families either indoors or in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants.
Alcohol may be served in bars that operate as restaurants in these areas, but only as part of the meal.
Residents will also be advised not to travel in and out of these areas, while it is up to local politicians as to whether other entertainment venues such as gyms and casinos should be closed.
The Liverpool city district is currently the only area on a “very high” alert level.
Connor McGinn, a member of parliament in St. Helens, told Sky News that there was “no agreement” on the area’s procedures with the government, and instead said they were “imposed” on the district.
The prime minister told his cabinet that negotiations are underway with northern leaders to move some areas to Level 3.
Downing Street said the government had the ability to “impose measures” if it continued to resist tighter restrictions.
“The contacts took place over the weekend and yesterday, and I expect that there will be more participation today,” a spokesman for the prime minister said.
“The government has the power to impose measures if it considers that what is needed to reduce transmission, protect the NHS and save lives.”
