“We are nowhere near the levels where a lockdown would even be considered”-Havering Public Health Director.

Havering is one of the authorities that has seen the biggest increase in Covid-19 cases government data reveals however we are not in line at the moment for another lockdown.

Thirty-six authorities in England are believed to have seen a spike in coronavirus cases over the past fortnight official figures have shown. Leicester has been confirmed to have become the UK’s first area to be hit by a ‘local lockdown’.

Currently the rate is at 284.3% and the total number of cases at 733.

Havering’s Director of Public Health Mark Ansell,said:

“We are aware of reports that local areas including Havering may be facing a lockdown due to increased cases of Covid-19.

“The source we assume the Daily Express article is based on shows an increase from 2 to 8 cases in Havering from one week to the next.

“It is an increase, but from a low base and is likely to reflect more testing and the outcomes of contact tracing rather than a sustained spike in cases.

“Public Health England London has reviewed cases in London and the overall trend remains downwards. We are nowhere near the levels where a lockdown would even be considered.

“Our outbreak plan is now in place and we are working closely with national partners on contact tracing and locally to make Havering COVID-secure.

“It is expected that cases will begin to rise as people begin to emerge from lockdown. This is why the NHS Test and Trace service is in place and testing is being expanded.

“There is no cause for alarm but we do need to stay alert – coronavirus has not gone away. We all need to continue with social distancing, and maintain effective respiratory and hand hygiene. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms must self-isolate and request testing so that their close contacts can be traced before they unknowingly spread the infection further.

“Only by working together can we protect the vulnerable, the NHS and the economic and social life of the borough from the threat of COVID-19. “