London added to national Covid-19 watchlist

London has been added to the national Covid-19 watchlist as an area of concern following a rise in cases in the capital.

A formal confirmation is due this afternoon from Public Health England but the announcement was made this morning by London Councils, which represents 32 borough councils and the City of London. It said there would be no additional measures at this stage.

Hospitality businesses in England are already nationally required to close at 10pm and to offer table service only, and the rule of six also came into force earlier this month. Further measures applied elsewhere have included a localised ban on mixing two or more households, and hospitality businesses in Bolton have been restricted to takeaway-only.

Further restrictions would be an added burden to businesses already hard hit by a lack of tourists and workers once again advised to work from home.

Businesses in England that are required to shut due to local lockdowns or targeted restrictions are able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks.

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