How the pandemic has shut down London again

Angela Christofilou captures the resilience of Londoners as the city gets to grips with yet another lockdown

New Covid lockdown rules for England are now firmly in effect, set to last until early December. The inevitable arrival of a second wave and national lockdown, just as the days get shorter and darker, comes with new challenges and obstacles for both our physical and mental health. 

The uncertainty of the future; the inability to plan and meet loved ones; many businesses in danger of closing forever, with music venues and theatres taking the biggest hit; it's happening all over again and just like last time the streets have emptied, echoing a very eerie atmosphere once more.

I bump into an old friend of mine in Holborn who I haven’t seen in years. It feels like we’re in a film as the two of us just stop and stand for a chat in the empty streets of what feels like a ghost town. He is the first person I come across after walking around for about 30 minutes. 

Homelessness in London, however, has far from gone away. I encounter many rough sleepers on the streets who have not been offered accommodation. There are many that will disproportionally suffer during this pandemic. I glance into windows as I pass by, and I can't help but wonder how many inside are ill or recovering from the virus and how many may also be facing other serious issues locked in at home, such as domestic violence.

As I start to walk back home on the last night of documenting this first week, I am randomly joined by a guitarist. He offers to escort me home to make sure I get back safe. We say goodnight and he then walks back down to Oxford Street just to stand on a corner and play again for that one person that might pass him by that night. 

For more of Angela Christofilou’s work you can visit her website here