Coronavirus Restrictions Update

On Sunday, I was back in A&E working in the run up to the England v Italy match. While, unfortunately, it did not come home, it was great to spend time with hard-working colleagues at St Georges.

With infections and hospitalisations increasing, it’s still incredibly important for us all to look out for one another and play our part in stopping the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister gave an update on moving to stage four of the coronavirus easing roadmap. This means that from 19 July, the following will apply:

• No limits on how many people can meet
• 1m-plus rule removed (except in some places like hospitals, or before passport control when entering the country)
• Face coverings no longer required by law

​Understandably, many are worried about the repercussions of these eased restrictions. Indeed, many residents have been in touch regarding the use of face coverings on public transport and their anxieties surrounding this. 

​On Wednesday, Sadiq Khan announced that face coverings will remain mandatory for all, unless exempt, when travelling on the TfL network. This will, no doubt, be a relief to many in the local area, and I pay tribute to the Mayor of London in taking a firm stand against the Government’s recklessness. 

Labour is calling for a controlled approach that keeps in place baseline measures that can push down infections, like mandatory face masks on public transport – which we know protect people, reduce the spread of the virus, and don’t harm the economy. By removing mask requirements - the Johnson Variant is being fast-tracked. Cases will soar, as will hospitalisations.

Everyone in Tooting has been fantastic in reducing the spread of coronavirus. With one of the highest vaccination rates in London, I can only ask residents to continue looking out for one another.

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