This year, 7,400 Londoners have died in London’s hospitals from Covid-19.

Despite the efforts of Londoners over past months which succeeded in keeping numbers low, the numbers of Covid-19 cases in London is now increasing exponentially. Based on public health advice which has been shared with us by PHE London, the Government will be considering moving to Tier 3, and possibly additional restrictions. We also need additional measures such as significantly increased mass targeted testing and we must have an emergency support package for London’s businesses.

This is going to be very tough for all Londoners but increasing restrictions and significantly increasing mass targeted testing is the only available option to stop the spread of the virus in London, protect the NHS and save lives.

Additional restrictions will be particularly tough for people working in the hospitality industry, cultural sector and offices who have worked so hard to make their places Covid-19 safe, and for people struggling on low incomes. We will work together with our residents, businesses and communities to try to mitigate the worst impact of Covid-19, and with the Government to ensure that the maximum support is made available to them.

To help London prevent the spread of the virus and rise to the challenge we are asking government to:

1. Increase support to people on low income who might have to self-isolate

2. Provide an emergency support package for the hospitality industry and cultural sector

3. Support London local government by significantly increasing mass targeted testing in our communities.

As mass targeted testing is rolled out to Londoners, boroughs will initially have to draw staff away from some services, so residents will notice some services which have returned since lockdown closing or limiting their services again. We ask everyone to bear with us through this period and get tested when this is made available to them.

Londoners have come together throughout the last year to provide each other with support and we will continue to do so. The vaccine is being rolled out by the NHS and there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, we must all continue to support the NHS as it does this vital task by sticking to the rules, shopping very safely this Christmas, and getting ourselves tested and self isolating, to protect ourselves, families, friends and communities.