Coronavirus cases have fallen in London sparking hopes it will go back into tier two restrictions when lockdown ends.
The return to the same ‘high’ level as was in place before November 5 means non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and gyms will be allowed to reopen in the capital.
But the rules are expected to be tighter than before, with speculation mounting over whether pubs will only be allowed to open if they serve ‘substantial meals’ with food.
Boris Johnson is expected to reveal on Thursday which tiers will apply to each part of England.
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London community leaders are yet to make their recommendation to the Government on what tier they think is most appropriate.
Government figures show the seven-day rate had fallen to 197.2 per 100,000 residents by last night, down from a record high of 198.9 on Saturday and 198.3 on Friday.
Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of New West End Company, told the Evening Standard: ‘Reopening in a safe and sustainable way from December 3 is vital to ensure that retailers and leisure operators get the best possible opportunity to make up some of the billions in lost trade this season.
‘In order for this to be most effective, we hope the Government recognises the latest figures we have seen in the capital and will see fit to place London at the very least in Tier 2, if not Tier 1.’
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said today that he wanted the Government to adopt a ‘one London’ approach when the capital’s tier rating is determined.
However, some MPs are calling for the tier system to be decided borough-by-borough.
Sir Bob Neill, MP for Bromley, called for restrictions depending upon infection rates in the area.
More to follow
