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Daily Mirror

National

Chris Kitching

London Covid-19 infection rate soars with rise in every borough amid Tier 3 fears

London's coronavirus infection rate - the highest in England - has soared above 200 just days before the Government decides whether to put the capital in Tier 3.

Infection rates have increased in all 32 of London's boroughs, with Havering, Waltham Forest, and Barking and Dagenham the worst hit.

London's rolling seven-day rate was 210.7 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people for the week up to December 7, according to the Government's online dashboard.

It is up from a rate of 169.6 reported on Monday, and it is well above England's national average of 160.9. The second highest rate in the country is 177.7, in the South East.

Have you been affected by coronavirus? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

Regent Street in central London has been pedestrianised to help with social distancing (PA)

There are fears the Government could move London from Tier 2 to Tier 3, which carries the toughest restrictions and could be a "killer blow" for hospitality venues, as infection rates rise in all but one of the capital's boroughs.

In Tier 3, hospitality settings such as restaurants and pubs are closed except for takeaway.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned it could happen, and along with borough councils he has urged Londoners to stick to Tier 2 rules as well as guidance for face masks and social distancing.

There were huge crowds of Christmas shoppers in Oxford and Regent streets as Mr Khan encouraged people to "shop safe".

This map shows the worst-affected boroughs with rates that were as of December 6 (Press Association Images)

Shoppers in Carnaby Street on Saturday afternoon (PA)

According to an analysis by PA, the east London borough of Havering had the highest rate in the capital and the eighth highest in England in the week up to December 7.

Havering's rolling seven-day rate was 430.7 with 1,118 new confirmed cases, up from 302.4 and 785 cases in one week.

Havering Council, based in Romford, has begged residents to stick to the rules and do everything they can to curb the spread of the virus.

It pleaded on Friday: "Due to coronavirus cases rising, Havering is at risk of tier 3 restrictions.

"We're working hard to inform our residents of the dangers of not following the rules, and to remind everyone to take action now to help stop the spread of infection.

"Do your bit to keep Havering safe."

Westminster had London's lowest rate (102.2), but it also saw an increase.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics indicates the proportion of people testing positive for Covid-19 is estimated to have increased in London and possibly in eastern England, but decreased in all other regions.

A traveller is swabbed for Covid-19 at Heathrow Airport (LHR AIRPORTS LIMITED/AFP via Get)

In an effort to tackle the spread in London, thousands of extra tests are being made available for schools in areas of concern.

NHS England announced a further 314 coronavirus deaths on Saturday. London had 31, behind the Midlands (89), North East & Yorkshire (54), the South East (51) and North West (44).

Mr Khan has urged Londoners to follow the rules as crowds filled shopping districts, including Regent Street, which has been temporarily pedestrianised to aid with social distancing.

A joint statement from Mr Khan and Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, said: "With cases rising in many parts of the capital, it is vital that we all work together to control its spread.

"Otherwise we may face tougher restrictions, which would greatly harm shops in the West End, our hospitality sector and the whole of London's economy.

"We are appealing directly to Londoners - when out shopping it is essential that you follow the rules."

Urging Londoners to wear a face covering in shops and socially distance from others, they advised avoiding travelling on public transport during rush hour and to walk and cycle "where you can".

"If you have symptoms - don't take a chance and don't go out. Self-isolate immediately and get a test," they added.

"Businesses across London have worked really hard to make their premises Covid-safe - but we must all play our part in following the rules. So this weekend shop safe."

Infection rates in London's boroughs

These are the rolling seven-day rates of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in London.

The figures, for the seven days to December 7, are based on tests carried out in laboratories (pillar one of the Government's testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).

The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.

Data for the most recent four days (December 8-11) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

Lorna Lucas, 81, reacts as she receives the Pfizer vaccine at Guy's Hospital (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The list has been calculated by the PA news agency, based on Public Health England data published on December 11 on the Government's coronavirus dashboard.

From left to right, it reads: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to December 7; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to December 7; rate of new cases in the seven days to November 30; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to November 30.

1. Havering, 430.7, (1118), 302.4, (785)

2. Waltham Forest, 352.7, (977), 223.8, (620)

3. Barking and Dagenham, 339.6, (723), 279.0, (594)

4. Redbridge, 332.9, (1016), 306.3, (935)

5. Newham, 295.4, (1043), 245.5, (867)

6. Bexley, 284.3, (706), 217.9, (541)

7. Enfield, 273.5, (913), 172.0, (574)

8. Tower Hamlets, 269.1, (874), 202.6, (658)

9. Kingston upon Thames, 246.2, (437), 187.0, (332)

10. Greenwich, 229.9, (662), 139.6, (402)

11. Harrow, 229.7, (577), 150.1, (377)

12. Merton, 222.2, (459), 178.7, (369)