Coronavirus: Tower Hamlets mayor in ‘life and death’ plea to residents to avoid household mixing

Mayor says situation is a ‘matter of life and death’ amid surge in cases

Borough has one of the highest levels of Covid-19 in London (EPA/WILL OLIVER)

People living in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets have been urged to avoid visiting other households by the local council.

The borough’s mayor, John Biggs, wrote an open letter asking those living in the area to avoid visiting other households “unless absolutely necessary” amid a rise in coronavirus cases.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and councils in the capital have urged the government to implement additional measures, but so far no extra restrictions have been put in place.

Mr Biggs called the situation a "matter of life and death" and said urgent action was required.

He added that the borough had one of the highest levels of Covid-19 in London.

Tower Hamlets' rate for the seven days to September 28 was 44.0 cases per 100,000 people, up from 38.5 the previous week.

Mr Biggs wrote: "Despite a fall over the summer, we are seeing cases of Covid-19 rise and we need to accept that the situation is once again worsening.

"Tower Hamlets now has one of the highest levels of Covid-19 in London.

"As a second rise in infections hits us, we must take all steps necessary to limit the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk."

He added: "I am clear that the current national rules are a minimum and my advice to you all is to do everything in your power to protect each other.

"Our individual actions have consequences for us all."

Last week, a spokesperson for Mr Khan warned London was at a "very worrying tipping point" and "immediate action" was needed to regain control of the virus.