London,
15
October
2020
|
14:31
Europe/London

City Corporation responds to London moving to local COVID alert level: high

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock today [15 October 2020] announced in the House of Commons that London will be moving into local COVID alert level: high from Saturday.

This means you must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes, and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.

Details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high

Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness said:

"These are difficult and necessary measures.

"I would like to thank the Secretary of State for recognising what the people of London have already done to suppress the virus and the way all of us have worked together.

“We urge all individuals and businesses across the capital to act responsibly by following the new restrictions in order to slow the spread of the virus, save lives and protect the NHS.

“Public health must come first. However, livelihoods matter too. The virus is not going to go away quickly, and we urgently need to find a way to live with it.

“We must keep the economy operating to the maximum extent possible, not only for future prosperity but also to pay for the extensive support which so many of our sectors, businesses and communities currently need.

“Employers have dedicated considerable resources to deliver COVID-secure workplaces and to restore confidence among their staff.

“A blanket recommendation to work from home over any significant length of time risks stalling the capital’s recovery and damaging long-term competitiveness.

“These new restrictions should be regularly reviewed in light of the evidence. Getting employees back to the workplace safely and quickly is vital to ensure our economy does not freeze over this winter.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk