Camden Council leader Georgia Gould

COUNCIL and health chiefs had no objection over London’s move into Tier 4 coronavirus lockdown rules after a rapid rise in cases.

The borough saw an increase of at least 103 per cent in the space of a week leading up to the government’s announce­ment on Saturday. The new rules mean that people must not meet up over Christmas unless they are part of an “existing support bubble”.

Council leader Councilor Georgia Gould said: “The restrictions are needed to stop the deadly spread of coronavirus in our community. We have reached one of the most dangerous points of the pandemic at one of the most challenging times of the year.”

Speaking on Saturday, she said that an average of 280 people a day were being admitted to hospital in London.

“These numbers are extremely worrying and it means we all have to take action to keep ourselves, our families and each other safe,” said Cllr Gould. “I know this is hard but the best thing we can do is follow the rules and look forward to a better 2021.”

You can get coronavirus updates from the council in the weekly insert in the New Journal – see page 7 ­– ­or by visiting camden. gov.uk/coronavirus.

There is also news on its Twitter feed @CamdenCouncil and Facebook site facebook. com/LBCamden. For help on the phone, the council’s number is 020 7974 4444 (option 9).