Redbridge has highest covid-19 rate in London, sparking lockdown worries

The data has been released by Public Health England

New figures have revealed that Redbridge has the highest rate of coronavirus infections in Greater London, triggering a warning that a local lockdown could be imposed in the borough.

There are 31.9 confirmed cases per 100,000 people living in the borough, according to Public Health England. That is up from 11.2 per 100,000 a week ago.

Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health in Redbridge, said: “We have to take these figures seriously and ensure that we don’t end up in lockdown as we’ve seen in other regions in the county.

“Please remember the importance of maintaining distance, washing, or sanitising hands regularly, wearing a face mask where needed, and getting a test if you have symptoms.

“Please also avoid visiting elderly or vulnerable relatives if you’re feeling unwell.”

The areas seeing some of the biggest rises are wards in the south of the borough and a few wards in the north and east.

To help prevent a local lockdown, residents are being reminded to stay two metres apart from people outside your household, regularly wash or sanitise your hands, wear a face covering when around others you don’t live with and get tested if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

Residents are also being reminded that, from Monday, 14 September, the Government has said that you must not meet people from other households in groups of more than six.

This will apply indoors and outdoors, including private homes.

Pubs, restaurants, shops, and other venues will remain open, but people can only attend in groups of up to six. Places of worship may remain open but with a limit of six people attending per group.

Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “This is worrying news, the infection rate is going up in our borough putting local people at risk. We must act now and do everything we can to avoid a local lockdown and keep our friends, family members, and neighbours safe.

“We’re working with the Government and our partners to bring down the number of cases of this deadly virus. The best way to do that is limit the number of contacts people have, follow the latest government guidelines, and not mix in groups of more than six people.”

To book a test, call 119, book a test online, or visit the walk-in centre in Mildmay car park – IG1 1HW, which is open every day to anyone that is displaying coronavirus symptoms. 

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