LONDONERS should be wearing face masks outside while shopping for Christmas, Sadiq Khan has said today.
The Mayor of London has urged shoppers to wear face coverings on the high streets as the capital inches closer to landing in Tier 3.
The Mayor of London has urged shoppers in the capital to wear face masks outdoors on busy high streets
Sadiq Khan has called for government support if London goes into Tier 3
Mr Khan wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister: “Face coverings should also be made mandatory in busy outdoor public spaces, given the numbers on our high streets in the run up to Christmas.”
Masks are already compulsory on public transport, in railways stations airports and shops, and they must be worn in cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants before being seated.
Face masks that go over the nose and mouth are required because the virus spreads through droplets that are released when a person coughs or sneezes.
Scientists have said the risk of catching the killer bug outside isn’t as likely as being indoors.
However, the government does advise wearing a face mask if it’s difficult to socially distance from others – such as shopping on a crowded high street.
In the same letter, Mr Khan also asked the government for support to combat the worrying increase in Covid-19 infections in London.
He also called for schools to close early and re-open later in January.
He wrote: “I am calling on the Government to urgently provide additional support to get the spread under control, save lives and livelihoods and ensure our NHS is not overwhelmed this winter.
Mr Khan added: “If the Government does decide to introduce further restrictions in London this week, the economic impact on businesses could be catastrophic with hundreds of thousands of livelihoods at stake.
“I am asking Ministers urgently to put in place a compensation scheme for all lost income for any businesses affected by any further restrictions during this crucial festive period based on last year’s returns. The Government must also cover the full cost of Statutory Sick Pay for workers who have to self-isolate.”
Mr Khan will brief London MPs on the latest figures, which show that the infection is now doubling every four days in the city.
And it comes just days after the Government revealed it could force schools to remain open by applying for a High Court injunction.
The nation’s tiers will be reviewed on Wednesday and London’s infection rate is the highest in the UK.
It leaves the capital at risk of moving into the ‘very high alert’ category, something the London mayor is keen to avoid. The whole capital is currently under Tier 2 restrictions.
If the city plunged into Tier 3, pubs and hospitality venues would be forced to close and people would no longer be allowed to meet friends in gardens.
A decision on whether to change London’s tier will be made on Wednesday and any change will come into effect on Saturday, December 19.
The rules on gathering with people from other households would then be relaxed from December 23 for five days to allow families to get together over Christmas, but other restrictions would remain in place.
The worst affected areas of the capital are in the east, including Walthamstow, Redbridge, Newham and Barking.
