5 reasons why 3 is wrong for London

FALLING INFECTIONS: Rates of infection in London are currently lower than the national average.

The capital has a seven-day rate of 187 cases per 100,000 people compared to 230 in England as a whole. There is also a huge gulf between London and regions in the North which seem certain to go into Tier Three. Yorkshire and the Humber has an rate of 339 – 81 per cent higher. Cases in London have been steadily falling over the past fortnight. HOSPITAL CAPACITY: London was hit hardest and suffered most during the first wave. At the beginning of April, there were almost 5,000 Covid-19 patients in the capital’s hospitals. Now official data highlights significant spare capacity in NHS hospitals.

There are currently 1,489 virus patients in London hospitals – under a third of levels seen in spring. Of these, 253 are on ventilators compared to a high of 1,046 on April 13. DEATHS ARE LOW: Fatalities are a fraction of the levels seen during the first wave.

Over the past week, an average of 20 people a day have died in London. On Tuesday, 22 were reported. This compares to a peak of 232 on April 8. ECONOMIC IMPACT: Mayor Sadiq Khan said putting London into Tier Three would deliver a ‘hammer blow’ to businesses including pubs and restaurants.

London is critical to the UK’s economy, contributing around one quarter of the nation’s GDP. The West End alone represents 4 per cent of GDP, but bars, restaurants and theatres are facing potential economic ruin. VARIATION WITHIN CITY: Politicians have argued that blanket lockdown measures across London make no sense when there are huge disparities between boroughs. The worst-hit borough – Havering – has a seven-day infection rate of 360 cases per 100,000 people. This is nearly four times as high as Camden (97) and Richmond (108).