London, Essex, York, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield will be moved to tougher, Tier 2 COVID measures from midnight tomorrow, Friday. Under this high alert level, there is a ban on households mixing indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

Eddie Curzon, the CBI's London director, said the news will be a severe setback for businesses.

“Businesses are fully aware that public health must come first and have been doing everything they can to keep staff and customers safe, whether in pubs, shops, or offices.

“Getting a grip on rising infection rates now can help to maintain confidence and avoid further restrictions in the months ahead.

“But this news will come as a severe setback to businesses across London -- particularly in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.

“While the Chancellor has taken bold and decisive action to support jobs and companies’ cashflow, London businesses still remain under extreme pressure. It’s vital that the Government, the Mayor’s Office and London’s Councils continue to work effectively together and use whatever tools they have at their disposal to protect jobs and livelihoods.”


Official guidance on Tier 2 restrictions (Source: UK Government)

People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

People must not meet in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other space

People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport

These measures will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate.

The rate of COVID-19 infections is rising rapidly across the UK. The ONS estimate that one in every 240 people in England had the virus in the week from 25 September to 1 October and that the numbers infected are doubling every seven to 12 days. Cases are not evenly spread, with infection rates rising more rapidly in some areas than others.

In London, infection rates are on a steep upward path, with the number of cases detected through NHS Test and Trace doubling over the last ten days. The 7-day average case rate today stands at 97 per 100,000 people, rising sharply. In 13 boroughs the rate is now above 100 per 100,000 people, with Hackney at 134, Richmond upon Thames at 138 and Ealing at 144.

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