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London lockdown: When could restrictions come in and what has Sadiq Khan said?

It is "increasingly likely" that lockdown restrictions will soon be needed to slow the spread of coronavirus in London, the capital's mayor has warned - PA
It is "increasingly likely" that lockdown restrictions will soon be needed to slow the spread of coronavirus in London, the capital's mayor has warned - PA
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..

It is "increasingly likely" that lockdown restrictions will soon be needed to slow the spread of Covid-19 in London, the capital's mayor has warned.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, on September 18, he was "extremely concerned" by the latest evidence he has seen and was of the "firm view" that action should be taken before the virus spirals out of control.

It comes as Boris Johnson has said that the UK is now "seeing a second wave coming in," and that it was inevitable that the virus would hit the country again.

It is expected that a two-week "circuit break" shutdown in England could be announced via a televised press conference as early as Tuesday, and could include measures such as closing pubs and restaurants or imposing 10pm curfews and a nationwide ban on friends and separate households socialising.

The number of cases per 100,000 people over seven days is reported to have increased in London from 18.8 to around 25.

The chart below shows which areas of the UK are seeing the highest rates of infection.

Coronavirus UKLA current
Coronavirus UKLA current

In a statement Mr Khan said he had held an emergency meeting with London council leaders, the Government and Public Heath England to discuss the next steps.

He added: "The Prime Minister has said that we are now seeing the start of a second wave of Covid-19 across the UK.

"Londoners should also know that I am extremely concerned by the latest evidence I've seen today from public health experts about the accelerating speed at which Covid-19 is now spreading here in London.

"It is increasingly likely that, in London, additional measures will soon be required to slow the spread of the virus.

"We will be considering some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the UK."

Are Covid-19 cases rising or falling in your area? All local authorities with lookup. Updates automatically
Are Covid-19 cases rising or falling in your area? All local authorities with lookup. Updates automatically

What restrictions could come in?

Restrictions could include a ban people socialising with others outside of your household or support bubble, and curfews on pubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

The Prime Minister is preparing to replace the England-wide "rule of six" with tougher restrictions on daily life, and is spending the weekend in Downing Street with officials to iron out the options.

Schools will only be closed as a "last resort", Whitehall sources said.