Here is a statement from the Mayor of London following the Prime Minister’s announcement this afternoon.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We’ve all worked incredibly hard in London to reduce the spread of covid-19, but there is no room for complacency and, with cases rising again, it’s right that the Government is taking necessary action to reduce the size of social gatherings. I urge Londoners to follow these restrictions for the good of everyone’s health, to continue to follow the public health guidance, and to self-isolate immediately and request a test if you have symptoms.
“The long-term plans to introduce mass testing are vital, but the Government must urgently, finally, sort out the problems facing our testing and contact tracing systems now if they are to get a grip of this virus.
“It is not good enough that people are being asked to travel many miles or wait days for a test, or that people are frightened to get tested in case they have to self-isolate and bring financial hardship upon their family. It’s also not good enough that in parts of London more than half of the close contacts of someone who has tested positive are not being traced and told to isolate. The Government must act now to ensure we have a test, trace and isolate system that is fit for purpose and prevent a deadly second wave.”