The Government has announced that London will be placed into Tier 3: Very High Alert from Wednesday 16^th December to manage outbreaks of COVID-19 and suppress the virus.

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

“This is disappointing news and will be a blow to households and businesses across London.

“We urge policymakers to keep the decision under close review, based on the evidence, so that the capital can move back to Tier 2 and gain a semblance of normality as soon as possible.

“It’s also vital that the businesses and hospitality and cultural enterprises which will suffer particularly from this increase in restrictions at a critical time, are given adequate support.

“Hopefully the vaccine roll-out will be a game changer next year, but we have to bring this dreadful virus under control in the meantime, and strongly urge Londoners to continue to act responsibly by complying with the new Tier 3 rules in order to reduce transmission, save lives and protect the NHS.

“As we look to 2021, we urgently need a thriving economy to help pay for the vast amount of support being provided at this time. The City will need clarity on when office workers can return to COVID-secure workplaces. This is vital in order to get as much of the economy operating as possible and protect livelihoods.”