The Mayor of London, , said:
“As the Prime Minister outlined today, we are at a perilous
moment in the fight against this virus. Given the recent surge in
cases and the Government’s failure to set up an adequate testing
or contact tracing system we have no choice but to implement
further measures to slow the spread of the virus. I firmly
believe that acting early, rather than having to impose more
stringent measures later, is the right thing to do both for
public health and the economy.
“Throughout this pandemic I have urged Ministers to go further in
encouraging the use of face coverings, so I am pleased they will
be now be made compulsory in more public settings. It is also
right that Londoners who can work from home do so.
“With the further restrictions on the opening hours of pubs,
bars, restaurants and other venues, the need for extra financial
support for these businesses has never been more urgent. It is
essential that the Government now come forward within days with a
targeted package of financial support for the retail, hospitality
and cultural sectors who will be hit hardest by further
restrictions, alongside an immediate targeted extension of the
furlough scheme.
“I had a constructive telephone call with the Prime Minister this
morning making clear that London has unique needs and challenges,
and additional measures now need to be examined to protect both
lives and livelihoods across the capital.
“Londoners have made monumental sacrifices during this pandemic
and as I have further meetings with ministers and council leaders
in the coming days I will continue to keep Londoners informed
about the extra measures that may need to be implemented in the
capital.”
