London will this week move into the strictest level of coronavirus restrictions.
Tier 3 restrictions will see pubs and restaurants forced to close across the capital during what is usually their busiest time of the year.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the city’s fate during a statement to MPs in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon.
Mr Hancock said it was necessary to move London from Tier 2 to Tier 3 to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed.
“Over the last week we have seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire,” he said.
What are the Tier 3 rules as London faces new Covid restrictions?