NEW, MORE INFECTIOUS VARIANT OF COVID-19 FOUND IN UK: REPORT

London: London would soon move into the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions due to concern about spiralling numbers of infections, the health secretary said on Monday.

London will move into England’s highest tier of coronavirus restrictions—Tier 3—from on Wednesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said. Parts of Essex and parts of Hertfordshire will also enter tier three at the same time.

The British capital’s move into Tier 3 means theatres as well as pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will have to close, except for takeaway food. People are not supposed to socialise with anyone not from their household, but they can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside.

Currently London is in Tier 2, which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said London had seen a “sharp rise” in daily cases and hospital admissions, and there was public health concern about a new strain of Covid-19.

“This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later,” he told parliament.

In some areas, cases are doubling every seven days, he said, warning: “It only takes a few doublings for the NHS (National Health Service) to be overwhelmed.”

Scientists have identified a “new variant” of the virus in the south of England that may be causing infections to spread faster, Hancock added. However, he said: “There’s currently nothing to suggest it is more likely to cause serious cases and the latest clinical advice is it is highly unlikely to fail to respond to a vaccine.”

However several London districts are sending children home from Tuesday as a precaution, after the government said last week it was concerned at the rising numbers of cases among secondary school-age children.

Testing of 11 to 18-year-old students began in the worst-affected areas on Monday.

The switch to stricter measures is a fresh blow to businesses already hit by repeated restrictions this year and in the run-up to Christmas, normally their busiest time.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the rise in cases “deeply concerning” but warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson the move would be “catastrophic” for pubs, bars and arts venues.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS