London set to impose stricter, Tier 2 curbs over weekend, ‘no other option’ says Mayor

Londoners set to struggle with grimmer lockdown blues as local MP’s announce tougher Tier 2 COVID measures from Saturday, imposing bans on indoor households mixing.

Essex is among the counties, expected to move to high alert restrictions this weekend.

Under the new curbs, households will also be barred from mixing in pubs and restaurants.

This move comes as official talks continue over expansion of the sternest coronavirus restrictions to more parts of England.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that there was “simply no other option.” 

“Nobody wants to see more restrictions but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners,” Mr Khan said as he spoke at the London City Hall.

“We’ve got a difficult winter ahead,” he added.

Ministers are currently being briefed over the new measures in a call with Health Minister Helen Whately.

The new three-tier system sees every area of England classed as being on medium, high or very high alert.

Greater Manchester and Lancashire could join Liverpool City Region and be placed under Tier 3 – “very high”.

MPs in Greater Manchester and London were both invited to join ministerial calls on Thursday morning.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to update MPs on the latest measures in a Commons statement later.

[Sourced from Agencies]