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London lockdown imminent to slow coronavirus outbreak

Capital set to face tougher measures because it is ahead of the ‘curve’ on outbreak

London is facing a lockdown, possibly before the weekend, as Boris Johnson prepares sweeping new measures — including school closures — to tackle the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said the UK government was about to announce “more stringent measures” for London, which Mr Johnson has conceded has become the country’s worst affected region.

Asked how far the UK was from a “complete lockdown”, Ms Sturgeon said the capital city might see tougher measures first because it was further ahead on the “curve” of the outbreak.

Scotland’s first minister is fully briefed on UK-wide coronavirus measures and Mr Johnson’s team admitted that officials were considering big new restrictions to daily life in London. “Things are moving fast,” one said.

In the UK, more than 700 cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,626. The UK death toll has jumped by 33 to 104, with 32 of the fatalities in England and one in Scotland.

A decision on whether to lock down London — similar to the shutdown in force in cities such as Paris and Brussels — would be based on the latest advice presented to the Cobra emergency committee, which has its latest meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Restrictions could include the closure of public transport, with pharmacies or supermarkets among the only outlets to remain open.

Schools across the UK are also expected to close by the weekend, although special provision would be made for the children of key workers, including NHS staff, to avoid the risk of parents having to take time off work for child care.

Gavin Williamson, education secretary, will make a statement to the House of Commons on plans for schools, including provision for children in receipt of free school meals, at 5pm on Wednesday.

Mr Johnson’s allies say no new measures were planned for the capital on Wednesday or Thursday, but government insiders say the lockdown might be announced on Friday. “People are looking at it, but it’s too early to say when or whether we will do this,” said another government official.

The prime minister’s spokesman said: “London seems to be moving ahead of other parts of the UK and he [Boris Johnson] advised people in London to pay particular attention to the measures we have been putting in place.”

Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, has complained that he is not being kept fully informed of the UK government’s plans and his allies said he was not clear whether the lockdown would take place or what form it might take.