London: Londoners will be banned from mixing with other households indoors from this weekend as tighter coronavirus restrictions are imposed in an attempt to curb a rise in cases in the capital.
The change in the rules was briefed to London members of Parliament on Thursday morning and will formally be announced later Thursday, according to people familiar with the plans. Three people briefed on the restrictions said the change will come into force at 00:01 on Saturday.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and health leaders met Wednesday to discuss the potential move to stricter rules. The capital will soon hit an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people, an official in the mayor’s office said.
The move for London follows steps taken by Northern Ireland and Wales to combat the virus. Northern Ireland is planning to close schools from Monday and impose new curbs on pubs and restaurants, while Wales wants to restrict travel from English hot spots, with new regulations coming into force Friday.
Ministers and officials briefed MPs on Thursday morning on proposals for further curbs across London and large parts of the north of England. Health Secretary Matt Hancock will update MPs in the House of Commons at about 11:30 a.m.
The government has earmarked Greater Manchester for the toughest Tier 3 restrictions, but has been in deadlocked talks with local leaders over financial support for businesses and individuals affected by any new curbs. –Bloomberg
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