Responding to today's announcement that from Wednesday 2 December, London will move into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions, Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, said:
"Londoners have risen to the many challenges of COVID-19 together over the past nine months.
"As we prepare to move into Tier 2 next week, we must not be complacent. The data on COVID-19 shows that rates in London have only just started to shift in the right direction – so these tough measures are absolutely necessary. There is no guarantee that when we come to the review of tiers on Wednesday 16th December, London will not move into Tier 3. We all need to continue to work together to ensure that we follow the new regulations carefully so that we do not risk the lives of our families, friends and communities.
"London’s businesses have done a magnificent job in rising to the challenges of keeping going where possible and innovating to deliver vital COVID-19 safe services to Londoners. I’m confident that they will do so again in the next phase to Christmas and we all need to support them in doing so again so that staff and customers can stay safe.
"Londoners of all faiths and none have made sacrifices over the past year, but regardless of faith, Christmas is a time when Londoners see family and friends. This year is going to be different. Everyone needs to look at the new rules for Xmas and plan for a safe Christmas for London and everywhere in the country. If in doubt we should all err on the side of caution to protect our families and friends and ensure that we don’t overload the NHS as it gears up to deliver the vaccination programme that will spell the end of COVID-19."