What lockdown tier is London in and what are the new restrictions?
LONDON is currently battling against the second wave of coronavirus, with the English capital currently under “high alert”.
But which tier is London in and what are the current restrictions? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Which tier is London currently in?
London has been moved into Tier Two restrictions, meaning it is at “high” risk.
It means that infections rates in the capital are rising and that additional measures will be required in order to curb the transmission of Covid-19.
From October 17, Londoners are forbidden to mix with other households indoors.
Groups must be no larger than six people in outdoor environments.
On Thursday (October 29), it was revealed that the R number in London could be as high as 2.86.
The Imperial College London study showed infections are doubling every nine days, with a national reproduction number (R) – the spread of infection – estimated at 1.56, compared to 1.16 in the previous round.
The study used data and swab results from 86,000 people between October 16-25, and estimates there are around 96,000 new infections per day.
But the fastest growth rates are now in the South, with the R number in London as high as 2.86.
The experts behind the data called for tougher restrictions to be implemented sooner rather than later as the current measures are “not sufficient”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “In London, infection rates are on a steep upward path with cases doubling every 10 days.
“We know from the first peak the infection can spread fast and put huge pressures on the NHS.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The virus is spreading rapidly in every corner of our city.
“Hospital admissions are up, more patients are going into intensive care units, and sadly the number of Londoners dying is increasing again.”
As many as 12 of the capital’s boroughs are above the threshold of 100 cases per 100,000 people.
The mayor warned that London will move into the “high” tier (Tier Two) as soon as it hits 100 cases per 100,000.
Mr Khan said: “We’re at about 90 cases per 100,000. When you get to 100 per 100,000, that’s the trigger point to go into Tier 2.”
What restrictions are currently in place in London?
Despite the decision to move London into Tier Two, nothing changes instantly.
At present, 9 million Londoners will not be able to socialise in any indoor setting with members of other households. This includes pubs.
Pubs are not required to close under Tier Two restrictions – but must close at 10pm in line with the hospitality curfew.
Londoners have been told not to use public transport, expect when absolutely necessary.
Schools, universities and places of worship are allowed to remain open, as well as offices and business venues.
The rule of six still applies in outdoor settings.
All measures are subject to a review every four weeks.
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Could London go into lockdown?
If infection rates in London rise substantially, then the capital could be moved to Tier Three in the future.
Tier Three – the highest risk tier – will only be put in place in cases where transmission is dangerously high, and immediate action needs to be taken.
Liverpool and Greater Manchester have both been placed in this category in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.