EXTRA Covid cops and marshals are being deployed on London’s streets in a last-ditch effort to stop the capital from being plunged into Tier 3 restrictions.
Sadiq Khan announced extra “hands face space” signs for the capital’s high streets and shopping centres.
London could face Tier 3 restrictions next week
It is the London mayor’s attempt to prevent the capital from moving into the “very high alert” category when the Tiers are reviewed on Wednesday.
London’s Covid infection rate is the highest of any region in the UK, according to the latest figures.
The whole capital is currently under Tier 2 restrictions but figures suggest it is hurtling towards tougher measures.
A decision on whether to change London’s tier will be made on December 16 and come into effect on Saturday, December 19.
It comes as thousands of teen schoolkids will get Covid tests amid fears they are fuelling a devastating third wave.
Emergency testing teams will be sent to secondary schools across the South East to swab pupils and their families.
Yesterday, the mayor and council group leaders also agreed on community testing – which included 10 extra mobile testing units alongside 70 rapid test centres.
Mr Khan said there would be “enhanced enforcement” by Transport for London to ensure people are wearing masks when they should on public transport.
Mr Khan, said: “Londoners have made monumental sacrifices this year in order to keep each other safe and protect our NHS.
“While the rollout of the vaccine this week may feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel, my message is clear – we still have a long winter ahead of us and we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves and others safe.”
He added: “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.”
SOARING INFECTION RATE
London recorded 191.8 new cases per 100,000 in the week to December 6, according to a report published this afternoon by Public Health England.
It’s 20 per cent higher than the week prior, when the whole of England was in the grips of its second lockdown.
For comparison, the figure is 130.9 in the North West – where swathes of authorities are in Tier 3.
The infection rate is 162.5 in the East Midlands, 160 in the South East, 158.4 in the West Midlands, 149.2 in Yorkshire and the Humber, 147.2 in the East of England, 146.2 in the North East, and 77.3 in the South West.
London, the South East and East of England are seeing cases rise, PHE’s Covid-19 and flu surveillance report stated.
More official data shows every borough in London has a higher coronavirus case rate than at least one Tier 3 area, figures show.
Moving to the highest alert level would mean a miserable run up to Christmas, with pubs and restaurants closed and a ban on seeing friends and family.
The London mayor is trying to prevent the capital from going into Tier 3
