Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has voiced concern about rising coronavirus cases in the capital (PA). London is two weeks behind some regions of the UK where tighter lockdown restrictions have been imposed, Sadiq Khan has said. The mayor told the PA news agency he is “really worried” about the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the capital, and is looking at “all possibilities” to stop the spread of the virus.
The number of cases per 100,000 people over seven days is reported to have increased in London from 18.8 to around 25. Speaking in central London on Friday, Mr Khan also said lockdown measures could be imposed based on the success of other regions.
Asked about the possibility of a 10pm curfew on the capital’s bars and restaurants, he said: “What we’ve seen in other parts of the country and in the North East in particular is an instruction for bars and restaurants to close at 10pm.
“The reason for that is to minimise the amount of hours people spend socialising, which can increase the risk of the virus spreading.
“We’re looking into all possibilities in London and we’re looking to see which policies across the country are successful. “According to the latest evidence I’ve seen, we’re about two weeks behind some parts of the country.
“That’s why I’m saying to Londoners please follow the advice.” He was speaking as he visited Air Edel Studios in Marylebone as part of an appeal to the Government to extend the business rates holiday, amid fears thousands of jobs could be lost in the capital and across the country.
He went on to hit out at the Government over delays in the coronavirus testing system. Mr Khan said: “I’m angry at the incompetence of the Government that has led to Londoners being refused a test.
“Those that get a test are sent miles and miles away, and those that have done the test aren’t getting their results for days. “I’m also angry that those who have given their contacts to the authorities, many of them aren’t contacted, aren’t told to self-isolate, which could lead to the virus spreading.”
However, Mr Khan said he is “working with the Government” and gave ministers his backing over the rule of six restriction on gatherings.